Hev Abi’s camp denies illegally possessing firearms, drugs after arrest

Earlier in the day, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group noted that on April 14, 12:20 a.m., its Metro Manila’s regional field unit implemented a search warrant in Brgy. Laging Handa in Diliman, Quezon City.

Inside the CIDG operation

Seven individuals—”Abi,” “Ryan,” “Mick,” “Roger,” “Leon,” “John,” and “Shee”—were arrested. The post didn’t completely name Abilla, but noted the arrested individuals included a “Pinoy Rapper.” In earlier media reports, however, the CIDG confirmed that Hev Abi was among those who had been apprehended in the operation.

The unit also confiscated an unregistered firearm, caliber 9mm pistol, a magazine and live ammunition—as well as 11 cartridges containing suspected liquid marijuana, paraphernalia containing suspected marijuana, and four sealed transparent plastic containing suspected shabu powder.

Chatter about Abilla’s arrest grew on Wednesday night, April 15, as he was absent during the University of the Philippines‘ “Kalye Tunes,” a hip-hop-focused concert that’s part of UP Fair, the campus’ week-long music festival.

Abilla’s hits include “Alam Mo Ba Girl,” “Walang Alam,” “Para sa Streets,” and “Lil Kasalanan Shortie.” He won Spotify’s KALYE Artist of the Year and Song of the Year for “Babaero” (with Gins&melodies).