Veteran actor and television personality Edu Manzano has finally broken his silence following reports that he was recently taken into custody after an incident involving his son, Luis Manzano. According to sources close to the family, the arrest was allegedly instigated by none other than Luis’s mother, acclaimed actress and former Batangas Governor Vilma Santos.

In a statement released to the media late Tuesday night, Edu Manzano expressed shock and deep disappointment over the turn of events, calling the incident a “painful family matter blown out of proportion.”

“I never imagined that a personal issue between me and my son would escalate into this,” Edu said. “It saddens me that it had to reach this point, especially with the involvement of Vilma, someone I still respect deeply despite our differences.”

Details of the alleged altercation remain unclear, but insiders say tensions between Edu and Luis have been building up over the past year. The root cause of their conflict has not been confirmed, but some speculate that it stems from financial disagreements and personal misunderstandings.

Witnesses claim that on the evening of May 26, a heated argument occurred at Luis’s residence in Quezon City, during which tempers flared. It was at this point that Vilma Santos, who was reportedly present, decided to call authorities for intervention. Edu was escorted from the premises by responding officers without resistance.

“I was not violent. I did not threaten anyone. I simply wanted to talk to my son,” Edu clarified in his statement. “The fact that it ended with me being taken away by police was not only humiliating, it was heartbreaking.”

He also addressed rumors that he was intoxicated at the time. “That’s simply not true. I was completely sober and just emotionally overwhelmed,” he said.

Meanwhile, neither Luis Manzano nor Vilma Santos have issued public statements regarding the incident. Fans and fellow celebrities have expressed concern and confusion online, with many calling for unity and privacy for the embattled family.

Close friends of the Manzanos have come forward, urging the public not to jump to conclusions. “This is a private matter, and knowing Edu and Luis, I believe they can work things out,” said one former co-star of Edu.

Legal experts say that unless charges are filed, Edu’s temporary detention may not lead to further legal consequences. Still, the incident has stirred national attention due to the high-profile nature of those involved.

Speculation has also emerged over whether this family conflict could affect Luis’s current hosting and business commitments. A representative for Luis refused to comment, saying only that “Luis is taking time to process everything.”

For Edu, the incident has left a deep emotional scar. “What hurts the most is not being arrested,” he said. “It’s being made to feel like a stranger to my own son.”

He ended his statement with a plea for reconciliation. “I love my son, and I will always be here for him. I hope one day, we can look past this and heal as a family.”

As the story develops, many hope this public family rift can soon give way to forgiveness and understanding. After decades in the public eye, Edu Manzano finds himself facing one of the most personal and painful chapters of his life — not as an actor or politician, but as a father.