Topakk," an action film starring Arjo Atayde, won three awards at the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival awards night Friday, including the prestigious Fernando Poe Jr. Memorial Award for Excellence.

The film, which tells the story of an ex-military man with PTSD who fights a corrupt police death squad, also received the Jury Prize Award and Best Float.

Atayde, also a Quezon City District Representative, expressed gratitude for the recognition.

"Given that we are the most action-packed film this Christmas, may we give all genres a reason to come back this Metro Manila Film Festival," said Atayde.

The FPJ Memorial Award recognizes films for their content, creative execution, mass appeal, and portrayal of Filipino values.

"Topakk," directed by Richard Somes, was the only action film entry in this year's MMFF. It previously screened at international film festivals in Cannes, France; Locarno, Switzerland; Austin, Texas; and Catalonia, Spain.

The film was nominated in 12 categories, including Best Actor (Atayde), Best Actress (Julia Montes), and Best Director (Somes).