Frenzied locals raced to catch cows rampaging through the streets in this brutal festival in the Philippines.

Footage shows dozens of men cornering the terrified young cattle that were apparently emaciated with rib cages visible through their muscles in Masbate City on April 13.

About 30 cows and calves were released into roads so festival goers could capture and take them home as prizes in the annual Rodeo Masbateno.

But the event seemingly turned violent, with at least five locals pinning down the extremely thin cows onto the ground before being helplessly hog-tied.

A shocked onlooker Charitess Barlis said: ‘I know it's tradition and part of the culture but I pity the cows being defeated by men.'

Despite the seeming cruelty to animals, most locals welcomed its return after the event was paused due to the pandemic.

Local Jamelle Andes said: ‘We were happy to watch the rodeo again. We all had fun.'

The week-long festival opened on April 9 and ran in events and games until April 16.

Aside from the cattle catching race ‘Juego de Toro', which translates to ‘bull game', local cowboys and cowgirls showcased skills in handling cows and horses such as lassoing, wrestling, and bull riding.