P.3 variant detected in 104 samples in the Philippines

The P.3 variant of SARS-CoV-2, first identified in the Philippines, has been detected in 104 samples sequenced by the Philippine Genome Center.

Most of these P.3 cases were traced back to the Central Visayas region, with some linked to the National Capital Region (NCR).

Dr. Eva Maria Cutiongco-Dela Paz, executive director of UP-NIH, stated that the P.3 variant is still considered a "variant under investigation."

Meanwhile, the B.1.1.7 (UK variant) and B.1.351 (South Africa variant) are the most common variants of concern detected in the Philippines.

These two variants account for approximately 9.1 percent of the 4,335 samples sequenced by the PGC.