MANILA – Actor Johnny Delgado passed away Thursday afternoon after a long battle with lymphoma, or cancer of the lymph nodes, his daughter said. He was 61.

Ina Feleo, daughter of Delgado and wife director Laurice Guillen, made this confirmation in a text message to abs-cbnNEWS.com.

ABS-CBN News reported that Delgado died in his home past 1 p.m. He was surrounded by his family when he passed away. Bibeth Orteza, Delgado’s close friend, said the actor died peacefully.

Delgado was diagnosed with cancer in 2008. Early this year, Delgado assured that he was responding well to chemotherapy.

A healthy and strong Delgado even attended the birthday celebration of Sen. Jinggoy Estrada in February 2009. He announced there that he was in remission.

But, according to ABS-CBN News source, the cancer returned. Last week, he was brought to St. Luke’s Hospital in Quezon City. He was discharged Tuesday.

Delgado, Juan Marasigan Feleo in real life, was a noted actor and writer. He appeared in numerous films including "Tanging Yaman," "Kailangan Kita," "La Visa Loca," and "Ligalig."

He was nominated several times in different award giving bodies.

Among his acting awards were best supporting actor for "Ligalig" in 2006 and best actor for "Tanging Yaman" in 2000.

The actor last appeared in Star Cinema’s “You Got Me” opposite Toni Gonzaga and Sam Milby. His recent television roles were GMA 7’s “Kamandag” and ABS-CBN’s “Maria Flordeluna” and “May Bukas Pa.” -With reports from Patty Ramirez, ABS-CBN.com, and Ginger Conejero, ABS-CBN News