Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has declared a state of national calamity in the country in an attempt to contain the coronavirus outbreak.
It will be for a period of six months "unless earlier lifted or extended as circumstances may warrant".
A proclamation signed by Duterte said it would provide the national and local government units to access appropriate funds to carry out relief and response operations.
Duterte also ordered all law enforcement agencies in the country to undertake necessary measures to ensure peace and order in affected areas
It will also put in place a price freeze on basic commodities.
So far, the country has registered 187 cases, including 12 deaths and four recoveries.
At least one dead, four injured in school shooting in southern Philippines
Indonesia recovers 3 bodies from capsized ship in Java Sea
Gaza building collapse: Rescue efforts end after 45 saved
US officials made rare Myanmar visit to free American businessman
Trump derides EU pitch to Canada as 'laughable', threatens more tariffs
