300 Philippines Teenage School Boys Undergo Mass Partial Penile Amputation {aka Circumcision} In School!

Boys aged from 11 to 16 years were recruited from five different schools for partial penile amputation, popularly known as circumcision. There are two kinds of male circumcision in the Philippines--medical and ritual circumcision procedures. Boys who live in the cities are most likely to undergo medical circumcision because of their access to clinics and hospitals. 

Conversely, ritual circumcision is most likely to occur to boys living in rural areas. Filipinos give various reasons why they adhere to this almost mandatory ritual. Understanding the individual’s motivation to undergo the procedure requires a good knowledge of the Filipino culture.5

Circumcision or 'tuli' as it is known in the Philippines is common in the country with 93% of males circumcised. It is tradition for boys about to enter puberty. Uncircumcised boys are often teased by peers so the boys endure the pain in order to be accepted socially.

According to the World Health Organisation, 30 to 33 percent of men aged 15 or over are circumcised worldwide but the figure is much higher in Philippines at 93% where the majority of the population is Roman Catholic. The Filipino government funds the annual tradition to ensure that operations are conducted hygienically.

In Marikana city which lies east of the capital, Manila, 300 boys took part in the tradition this week at a local school. They are encouraged to wear loose, shirt-like clothing after the procedure. Five years ago 1,500 boys were circumcised on the same day in Marikina City but the Guinness Book of Records rejected an application 'due to hygiene considerations and risks'.