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Pagtutuli - Circumcision in the Philippines.

This photo series contains explicit content.

It is estimated that 30 per cent of men globally are circumcised but in the Philippines, the number is closer to 98 per cent.

Despite a campaign, lead by a small group of Filipino doctors, advocating informed choice, the tradition is still as popular as ever.

The emphasis to circumcision in Philippines is really that of a rite of passage to manhood; that the pre-pubescent boys need to undergo. Circumcision is a test of ones resolve. And then there is pain, there is also that kind of test of pride, there is that test of bravery... and the culture is really such that it's impossible for these young boys to forgo circumcision.

The World Health Organisation and UNAIDS says circumcision can help protect against the spread of HIV when used as part of a programme which includes contraceptives and counselling. There are also arguments that it lowers the risk of cancer, and is more hygienic. Dr Romeo Lee, from De La Salle University, says, however, the risks associated with circumcision performed by those without medical training in the Philippines outweigh the benefits. He says the campaign to convince Filipinos to make an informed choice, however, needs to focus much deeper to have an impact.

The whole argument in the Philippines about circumcision has nothing to do with medical evidence, it has to do with culture, it has to do with beliefs about being a man. To change this is to modify the concept of Philippine men and also Philippine women regarding masculinity. That is also consistent with other campaigns including gender violence. That to be a man you should not be violent with your wife to show your power.

One of the beliefs that young boys have is that if you undergo circumcision you will be taller, you will be healthy and you will be more intelligent. These perceptions are neither real nor true, but nonetheless these are very, very powerful incentives for young boys.

(source: Circumcision season in the Philippines)

Visitor Hugh7 pointed to me that there was a support group for intact (uncircumcised, "supot") Filipinos that has been formed. It's a Yahoo group called uncircumcisedfilipinos. You can join it from this blog: uncircumcisedfilipinos.blogspot.com 

Warning. Graphic content. Click to enlarge.

Warning. Graphic content. Click to enlarge.

 

Warning. Graphic content. Click to enlarge.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pagtutuli - Circumcision in the Philippines.

This photo series contains explicit content.

In the rural Philippines, pagtutuli or circumcision is a pre-adolescent rite of passage, performed on small groups, traditionally on Holy Saturday (Sabado de Gloria). According to traditional beliefs, it would be less bloody than having it done on Good Friday. God suffered and died on Good Friday and parents wouldn't want that experience replicated during their sons' circumcision.

Most boys in the Philippines are circumcised at age nine, or when they get to the fourth grade.  It seems that the Filipinos put a lot of importance on this practice, which, for many males are their rite of passage from childhood to adulthood. The circumcised young man is now able to show off his cut dick, by being able to shower with the rest of the guys in public baths or having their first taste of sex. Filipino women know for a fact that a boy/man should be circumcised, so they definitely know what to expect when they see the male genitalia.  God help the guy who is not cut, for he will forever be the butt of jokes among his peers and lady friends.

Warning. Graphic content. Click to enlarge.

Warning. Graphic content. Click to enlarge.

Warning. Graphic content. Click to enlarge.

Warning. Graphic content. Click to enlarge.

    

Pagtutuli - Circumcision in the Philippines.

This photo series contains explicit content.

Circumcision is performed, not by the physician or village doctor (albularyo), but by any lay person with expertise in the procedure.

It is done in a forested area so girls cannot see them. According to some beliefs, if a girl sees the circumcision, the boys' scrotum will grow big.

The procedure is usually preceded by a bath in the river (believed to decreased the amount of bleeding) and the chewing of a handful of guava leaves (bayasbas).

The cut on the prepuce is performed using a barber's blade (labaja) or knife. The cut is guided by a lukaw, a wooden contraption carved from a branch of the guava (bayabas) tree, one end of which is staked to the ground . The other end, shaped to fit between the penile prepuce and head, is put in place with the boy sitting and straddling the lukaw. The blade is then carefully placed on the prepuce for the dorsal slit and a single blow is delivered by hand or a wooden branch. Immediately, the mouthful of guava (bayabas) leaves being chewed is spit out and applied to the wound; this is believed to facilitate healing and prevent infection.

A piece of soft cloth, about 5x5 inches, preferably white, with a small hole in the middle to allow for urination, is wrapped around the penile head and tied with cloth-strings.

The dressing is changed daily, after washing the wound with a decoction of guava leaves. Some apply fine scrappings from the outer coconut shell to the daily wound care. Recently, it has become common practice to apply pulverized penicillin tablets (obtained without prescription) to the wound.

In some rural areas, if unusual swelling (kinamatis) occurs, a termite is placed on the swelling to produce a puncture and subsequent draining. If infection occurs, a dog is made to lick off the dried pus, blood and debris. Another practice is the stringing off of dried pus and debris.

It is usually performed for free or a pack of cigarettes.Some charge 200-300 pesos (less than 5 USD).

(Source: STUART X CHANGE org.)

 

 

The lukaw.

 

 

 

Pagtutuli - Circumcision in the Philippines.

This photo series contains explicit content.

 

Male circumcision is the removal of some or all of the foreskin (prepuce) from the penis.The word "circumcision" comes from Latin "circum" (meaning "around") and "cædere" (meaning "to cut"). 

According to the World Health Organization, global estimates suggest that 30% of males are circumcised, of whom 68% are Muslim.The prevalence of circumcision varies mostly with religious affiliation, and sometimes culture. Most circumcisions are performed during adolescence for cultural or religious reasons; in some countries they are more commonly performed during infancy.

It has been variously proposed that circumcision began as a religious sacrifice, an offering to ensure fertility, a tribal mark, a rite of passage, an attempt to emphasise masculinity, a means of humiliating enemies and slaves, or as a hygienic measure.

Circumcision in the Philippines is not related to religion. The vast majority of Filipinos are circumcised - whether they are Catholic, Muslim, or whatever. It is a "coming of age" ritual, and traditional for a boy to prove his manhood properly, it should be done without anesthetics.