Afuang was released in theaters on February 25, 1988.
Critical response Lav Diaz, writing his first film review for the
Manila Standard, gave
Afuang a positive review, commending the film's writing, production design, pacing, and action scenes, while also praising the film's "direct attack" on corruption within the police force. However, he expressed that his main gripe is the film's exaggerated portrayal of Afuang as a superhuman-like character, stating that "if the film's basis on real life is removed, [
Afuang] becomes a nice action movie." Diaz was also critical of actor
Eddie Garcia for his continued portrayal of "kenkoy" villains in films. ==Accolades==