It follows a recommendation from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) who said the move was in the interests of "safety and security".

Athletes were originally due to compete between January 18 and 24 but these dates were pushed back due to "financial and logistical constraints".

The new dates of March 20 to 28 have now also been postponed with organisers hoping the Games will instead go ahead in May or June.

"I was in conversation with my immediate superior, the President, and was advised to make the necessary moves to prevent the virus from spreading," said PSC chairman William Ramirez, according to the Phil Star.

"We have a Board resolution advising the ASEAN Para Games to postpone it for the safety and security of everyone.

"We will explain the situation and hopefully find a solution, maybe reschedule it in May or June."

Numerous sporting events have been postponed or cancelled due to coronavirus, which originated in Chinese city Wuhan.

The Philippines is one of 28 countries around the world to have confirmed cases, with three people infected.

Despite this low number it is the only country, alongside China and Hong Kong, where someone has died from the virus.

More than 800 people have now died in all with more than 37,500 cases confirmed.

A global emergency has been declared by the World Health Organization.

The ASEAN Para Games are supposed to take place soon after the Southeast Asian Games, which The Philippines held from November 30 to December 11. 

Both events ran into trouble in 2017, when the Government withdrew its support for the Games due to a reallocation of funds.

This decision was reversed soon after, however.

At a registration meeting held in December, it was confirmed that a total of 1,533 athletes and 829 officials, from 11 nations, had signed-up to compete at the 2020 ASEAN Para Games.

Athletes are due to compete across 19 sports in three main clusters in New Clark City, Subic and Manila.

Qualification points for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games are set to be available.