Runner journeys over 30 kms to thank soldiers for liberating Marawi

A runner made the 30-kilometer journey from Marawi City to Iligan City to show his gratitude for the end of the nearly five month-long armed conflict between government troops and the ISIS-inspired Maute terrorist group.

Runner Jemalul Alauyan ran with a military escort to make the trek as government forces continue to clear Marawi City of remaining terrorists, according to a report by GMA News' Raffy Tima on Balitanghali on Monday.

"Para ho sa pasasalamat namin sa lahat ng mga kawal, lalo na ang ating gobyerno, lalo na ang pangulo, Rodrigo Roa Duterte," Alauyan said.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Monday declared an end to five months of fierce urban warfare in Marawi City, a battle that has marked the country's biggest security crisis in years.

The declaration came days after government troops killed terrorist leaders Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute during combat operations. —Rie Takumi/KBK, GMA News