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Waiting for money and medicine: The government of Marikina City, a suburb east of Manila, offers residents a reward for catching rodents as part of the "Rat to Cash" program.
Photo: Ezra Acayan/Getty Images
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A city worker picks up a dead rat from the ground.
The measures are aimed at curbing the spread of leptospirosis, a flu-like infectious disease that can be transmitted by rats.
Photo: ROLEX DELA PENA/EPA
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Valuable Catch: Residents are paid up to 200 Philippine pesos (US$3.50) for each rodent they bring, dead or alive.
Photo: Ezra Acayan/Getty Images
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A captive animal about to be handed over: Latest data from the Philippine Ministry of Health showed that the country recorded 1,770 cases of leptospirosis from January to August this year, up 36 percent from the same period last year.
Photo: Ezra Acayan/Getty Images
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City health officials dispose of rats given by residents for cash.
As local media reports, more than 3,000 rats are said to have been caught.
Photo: Ezra Acayan/Getty Images
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A city employee issues a receipt for six captured animals.
The catcher receives 400 pesos, the equivalent of around seven euros.
Photo: ROLEX DELA PENA/EPA
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A Pied Piper has received cash and medicine.
With the "Rat to Cash" program, the city of Marikina wants to motivate its residents to help with pest control.
Photo: Ezra Acayan/Getty Images
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