MANILA - A homeless Jiro Manio faced reporters on Tuesday amid reports that he is roaming and begging for food at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 in Pasay City.
The award-winning actor, 23, had been staying for four days at the airport's departure area.
He was taken into custody by airport police after photos of him going around the terminal circulated online.
"Binigyan po namin siya ng pagkain dahil kaawa-awa naman," airport police officer Roberto Valenzuela said. "Hihintayin po namin na sunduin siya dito ng kanyang mga kamag-anak para mai-release na namin siya."
As of posting, Manio remained in police custody.
Manio, who underwent rehabilitation for drug abuse twice in the last four years, appeared to be disoriented and initially declined interviews.
Wearing dirty clothes, Manio had long nails and scratches on his neck.
When told about his viral photos, the "Magnifico" star, whose real name is Jiro Katakura, asked who is behind the alleged "smear campaign" against him.
He also insisted hearing about a certain theft, on the subject of people expressing concern for him.
"Hindi ko sila katrabaho. Iba trabaho ko. Hindi ako artista," said Manio, who is considered local showbiz's most awarded child actor.
'Wala akong tatay'
He admitted not having anywhere else to go when asked why he has been staying at NAIA.
Manio kept mum, however, on a supposed destination he was planning to go.
Manio's foster father, Andrew Manio, earlier admitted to ABS-CBN News that the actor left their home after they had an altercation over the weekend.
When asked for his comment, Manio said, "Wala akong tatay."
In a separate interview, director Maryo delos Reyes told ABS-CBN News that this is not the first time his former ward was found roaming in the city.
Last year, he was told that Manio was sighted wandering in Balintawak.
Citing a family insider, delos Reyes confirmed that Manio entered a drug rehabilitation center in 2014 for a second time.
He spearheaded Manio's first rehabilitation in 2011.
"A strong institutional support will help the actor," delos Reyes said. "Jiro needs psychiatric help." -- Reports from Mario Dumaual, Jeff Fernando, ABS-CBN News