MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Health (DOH) has warned of the dangers of unprotected sex, especially between males, as it cited a rising incidence of HIV/AIDS cases in the Philippines.

The DOH has recorded 184 new cases of HIV/AIDS infections in May alone, Health Assistant Secretary Dr. Eric Tayag said.

This represents a two percent increase compared to the 153 cases recorded during the same period last year, he said.

Tayag said that males having sex with males have a greater chance of acquiring the dreaded virus.

Of the 184 new cases, the mode of transmission is high among males having sex with another males at 83 percent, with ages from 20 to 29, the DOH said.

A total of 96 cases or 52 percent were recorded in Metro Manila, with Quezon City having the highest number of newly infected persons, Tayag said.