The Maguindanao provincial government on Monday confirmed its first case of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the Bangsamoro Inter-Agency Task Force on COVID-19 led by the Ministry of Health said.

The patient is a 54-year-old who has a travel history from Davao City and with history of exposure to New Matina Gallera in Davao City, said MOH-BARMM Minister Dr. Safrullah Dipatuan.

The patient, who also has hypertension and diabetes mellitus, is now on strict home quarantine and in stable condition.

Datu Odin Sinsuat Mayor Cheryl Mary Rose Ann Sinsuat also confirmed Monday that the first case of COVID-19 in Maguindanao is from their town.

The mayor said they are strengthening preventive measures to contain the spread of the virus.

Authorities will also have to trace individuals who came in close contact with the patient.

Sinsuat asked the public for their cooperation and practice physical distancing, eat nutritious food, and frequently wash hands.

Datu Odin Sinsuat was placed under enhanced community quarantine.

As of April 5, Maguindanao province recorded 45 persons under investigation and and 2,143 persons under monitoring.

The Philippines earlier confirmed 414 new cases of the disease, which brought the nationwide total to 3,660 with 163 deaths and 73 recoveries.