An unheralded and obscure movie, Patrolman was named the Best Picture in the 1988 Metro Manila Film Festival.
The lead star, once unknown stuntman-actor Baldo Marro won the Best Actor award for his role as a dedicated policeman edging out the favored Christopher de Leon.
Amy Austria won the Best Actress award for her convincing performance of a woman who led a life of crime in Bubbles: Ativan Gang.
FPJ Productions' Agila ng Maynila was the festival's top grosser, with all six entries grossing ₱49.5 million in total.
He bested prizewinning director Chito Roño of Itanong Mo sa Buwan in the division, sending uproar from well-meaning critics and regular local film observers.