MANILA - The Philippine Genome Center has noted an increase in the number of Omicron variant cases nationwide since the start of the year. In a televised public briefing Thursday, PGC Executive Director Cynthia Saloma said most of the local samples sequenced in January carry the Omicron variant, particularly in the National Capital Region (NCR). "Kung may mga Delta man doon, pangilan-ngilan lang (If there are Delta variant cases, just a few only), it's really just essentially Omicron starting in 2022," she said. The same pattern is seen in other parts of the country, she added. The Department of Health on Thursday reported 618 new cases of the Omicron variant -- 497 local cases and 121 returning overseas Filipinos -- and 35 more cases of the Delta variant. So far, the total number of confirmed Omicron variant cases is 1,153 while the overall tally of Delta variant cases is now 8,647. Earlier, the World Health Organization (WHO) said the Omicron variant of the coronavirus may soon replace Delta as the dominant variant in the country, similar with what happened to other nations. The WHO also warned the public against Omicron variant -- not to dismiss it as "mild" even though it appears "less severe" than Delta. (PNA) }