UPDATE: Hev Abi’s label has released a third statement.
Hev Abi was arrested by authorities on April 14 shortly after a search warrant for firearms, as confirmed by ABS-CBN News. Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Information Office Chief PMAJ Helen Dela Cruz confirmed that the rapper is currently in their custody, after a G3 Taurus Cal. 9mm pistol, a magazine of G3 Taurus Cal. 9mm pistol, and 15 pieces of live ammunition of G3 Taurus Cal. 9mm were recovered from the rapper.
The CIDG Regional Field Unit (National Capital Region) implemented a search warrant for violation of Republic Act No. 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) in Brgy. Laging Handa, Diliman, Quezon City, midnight of April 14. This resulted in the arrest of seven individuals, including a “Pinoy Rapper,” the CIDG statement said.
According to the same statement by CIDG, apart from the confiscation of the firearms, 11 cartridges containing suspected liquid marijuana, four sealed transparent plastic bags containing powder suspected to be cocaine, and paraphernalia containing suspected marijuana were recovered from the suspects.
Hev Abi was scheduled to perform at UP Fair: Kalye Tunes on April 15 at UP Diliman. His label Urban Department released a statement on skipping the performance on social media saying, “We regret to share that Hev Abi will no longer be able to perform due to circumstances beyond our control. We are truly sorry for any cause of disappointment this may cause, and we appreciate your understanding.”
On April 16, the label released another statement saying, “We are aware of the situation and are monitoring it closely with our legal counsel. Our focus remains on supporting the artists and ensuring their well-being during this time.”
By 6 p.m., Urban Department has released a third statement, denying “all allegations pertaining to this misunderstanding” that led to the arrest.
The entire statement can be read below:
This is a developing story.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rapper Hev Abi (Gabriel Abilla) was arrested on April 14, 2026, during a Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) raid in Barangay Laging Handa, Quezon City. Police executed a search warrant for alleged violations of Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) and recovered a 9mm pistol, ammunition, and suspected narcotics.
Urban Department PH released statements categorically denying all allegations surrounding the arrest, characterizing the incident as a misunderstanding while confirming that legal counsel is working with authorities to resolve the matter.
Yes, Hev Abi was slated to headline UP Fair: Kalye Tunes at UP Diliman on April 15, 2026. His performance was canceled following his arrest, with management citing circumstances beyond their control.
According to CIDG reports, officers seized an unlicensed G3 Taurus 9mm pistol, a magazine, 15 live rounds of ammunition, 11 cartridges of suspected liquid marijuana, and four sealed containers of suspected cocaine from the premises.
A total of seven individuals were taken into custody during the CIDG operation in Quezon City, all of whom underwent inquest proceedings for illegal firearm and drug possession charges.
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