Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III declared on Friday a state of national calamity to accelerate the rescue and rehabilitation efforts in areas hit by typhoon Melor.

The declaration will also effectively control the price of basic goods and commodities for the affected areas, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said.

Aquino directed all departments and other concerned government agencies to implement and execute rescue, recovery, relief and rehabilitation work in accordance with pertinent operational plans and directives.

He also ordered the law enforcement agencies, with support from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, to undertake all necessary measures to ensure peace and order in affected areas, as may be necessary.

The state of national calamity will be in force and in effect until the president lifts it.

At least 17 people were killed and 20 others were injured due to Melor, locally named as Nona.