The Guinness World Book of Records has rejected the bid of a Philippine city to set a new world record for the most number of boys participating in a so-called "Tule (Circumcision) Party." Guinness said it cannot accept Marikina City's bid due to hygiene concerns.

In a statement, Guinness said it does not recognize the "number of medical procedures within a set period of time or in a mass group due to hygiene considerations and risks."

It added that those taking part in the circumcision party should have been advised by qualified doctors and that the well being of the patients should be the principal concern and not just the numbers.

The local government of Marikina sponsored on May 7 a free circumcision for more than 1,500 boys in the city's sports complex.

Marikina city officials insisted that the procedure was safe even if the circumcision was sometimes performed by non-doctors. Guinness has previously expressed concerns the "circumcision party" might lead to unsafe conditions.

Marikina already holds the world's record with the biggest pair of shoes which the local government sponsored in 2002.