Emergency workers, soldiers, police and volunteers have been mobilised to search for survivors, clear debris, and restore power and communications.
Thousands of people were moved to emergency shelters while thousands more were stranded at air and sea ports.
Ferries were stopped from going out in rough seas and flights were cancelled.
The storm gathered strength over the Sulu Sea, bringing winds of up to 50mph, forecasters said.
It was heading west and would be out over the sea later on Saturday, they added. Sky more