Health authorities in the Philippines have reported the presence of a new novel coronavirus variant first discovered in the country, the P.3 variant.

In a statement published on Saturday, the Philippines' Department of Health (DOH) said 85 new cases with a "unique set of mutations" were found and samples with these mutations have been reassigned as P.3 variant. 

A total of 13 additional cases were detected in this batch, which brings the total P.3 variant cases in the country to 98.

Authorities noted the variant has not been identified as a matter of concern as yet because current available data are insufficient to conclude whether it will have significant public health implication.