A local community in the Philippines has launched an unconventional initiative to combat the spread of dengue—offering residents a cash reward for capturing mosquitoes.

Carlito Cernal, village chief of Barangay Addition Hills, a densely populated neighborhood in Metro Manila, announced a bounty of one peso (less than two US cents) for every five mosquitoes collected. The initiative, which began after two students in the community died from dengue, aims to curb the mosquito population and reduce infection rates.

While the bounty applies to both live and dead mosquitoes, as well as larvae, captured live mosquitoes will be exterminated using ultraviolet light, Cernal said.

Public Response and Government Reaction

The announcement has sparked ridicule on social media, with users joking that people might start “mosquito farming” to claim rewards. Others questioned the logistics of verifying mosquitoes, with one user quipping, “Will a mosquito get rejected if it has only one wing?”

Despite the online backlash, Cernal defended the initiative, emphasizing the urgency of the dengue outbreak in their overcrowded barangay.

“This is one of the biggest and most dense areas in Metro Manila. We have to do something to help the local government,” he told reporters.

So far, 21 residents have participated, turning in a total of 700 mosquitoes and larvae in exchange for small cash rewards.

The Philippines’ Department of Health (DOH) acknowledged the good intentions behind the program but refrained from endorsing it, stating:

“We appreciate the efforts of local officials to fight dengue, but we urge them to coordinate with health experts for evidence-based solutions.”

The department did not confirm whether the mosquito bounty would be an effective dengue prevention method.

Dengue Crisis and Government Warnings

The Philippines has seen a sharp increase in dengue cases, with the DOH reporting 28,234 cases as of February 1—a 40% rise from the previous year. Barangay Addition Hills alone recorded 44 dengue cases in the latest outbreak.

Dengue is endemic in tropical regions and thrives in urban areas with poor sanitation where standing water allows mosquitoes to breed rapidly. Severe cases can cause internal bleeding and organ failure, leading to death. Symptoms include high fever, nausea, muscle pain, and headaches.

The DOH has urged the public to take preventative measures, including:
✔ Cleaning surroundings and eliminating mosquito breeding sites, such as standing water in old tires and containers
✔ Wearing protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts and trousers
✔ Applying mosquito repellent

Additionally, the rainy season has worsened public health risks, with authorities also noting a rise in influenza and leptospirosis cases—the latter being a bacterial disease spread through contaminated floodwaters.

A Temporary Solution?

Cernal emphasized that the mosquito bounty was only a supplementary measure to existing dengue control programs, such as street cleaning and sanitation campaigns.

“We are not relying solely on this. We are also pushing for proper waste disposal and preventing stagnant water buildup,” he said.

As dengue cases continue to climb, health officials remain skeptical about the effectiveness of the cash-for-mosquitoes program, urging scientifically proven interventions instead. Whether the bounty initiative makes a significant impact remains to be seen.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for the creation of a European military force to defend against Russia, warning that the continent can no longer rely on U.S. protection. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine would not accept peace deals made without its involvement, following reports that former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin had agreed to initiate negotiations.

A Shift in Transatlantic Relations

Zelensky’s remarks come amid growing uncertainty over America’s commitment to European security. In a speech at the conference, U.S. Vice President JD Vance called on European nations to take greater responsibility for their defense, signaling a shift away from traditional U.S. leadership in NATO.

“Yesterday here in Munich, the U.S. vice president made it clear—the decades-old relationship between Europe and America is ending,” Zelensky said. “From now on, things will be different, and Europe needs to adjust to that.”

A European Military Force?

Zelensky’s proposal for an “army of Europe” echoes past calls from leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron, who has long advocated for an independent European defense force to reduce reliance on the U.S.

“Many, many leaders have talked about Europe needing its own military,” Zelensky stated. “An army—an army of Europe.”

His comments reflect growing frustration within NATO and the European Union, especially as U.S. officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, suggest that Ukraine is unlikely to join NATO anytime soon. Hegseth has also dismissed the idea of Ukraine reclaiming its pre-2014 borders, a stance that has further strained relations between Kyiv and Washington.

Trump-Putin Talks Raise Concerns

The Trump-Putin peace discussions, held without European input, have alarmed Ukrainian officials. Zelensky revealed that Trump had briefed him on the talks but failed to mention Europe’s role.

“A few days ago, President Trump told me about his conversation with Putin. Not once did he mention that America needs Europe at the table—that says a lot,” Zelensky said. “The old days are over when America supported Europe just because it always had.”

Trump and Putin have reportedly agreed to meet in Saudi Arabia, with plans for potential visits to each other’s capitals. While no date has been set for Trump’s visit to Moscow, Zelensky accused Putin of orchestrating a propaganda spectacle.

“Next, Putin will try to get the U.S. president standing on Red Square on May 9, not as a respected leader, but as a prop in his own performance,” Zelensky warned.

May 9 marks Russia’s Victory Day, commemorating the Soviet Union’s defeat of Nazi Germany in 1945.

European Leaders Weigh In

European leaders have voiced strong opposition to any peace agreement that does not include Ukraine. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reiterated that Germany would never support a dictated peace, while Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned that Europe must take charge of Ukraine’s future, or risk having global powers decide for them.

Meanwhile, the Kremlin insists that Ukraine will have a role in negotiations, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stating that Kyiv “will of course” be involved in some capacity.

As Ukraine’s war with Russia approaches its three-year anniversary, Zelensky’s calls for a unified European defense force could mark a turning point in the continent’s security strategy. Whether European nations will act on his proposal, however, remains to be seen.

A group of European nations, led by the United Kingdom and France, has been quietly discussing a potential military deployment to Ukraine to help enforce any future peace agreement with Russia. The discussions have taken on a new sense of urgency amid fears that a future U.S. administration under Donald Trump could bypass European allies and strike a unilateral deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

UK and France at the Forefront

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed on Thursday that the UK would play a role in any post-war security framework for Ukraine but declined to provide specifics.

“I won’t get into the particular capabilities, but I do accept that if there is peace, then there needs to be some sort of security guarantee for Ukraine,” Starmer said.

The concept of European troops in Ukraine first gained traction in early 2024 when French President Emmanuel Macron refused to rule out deploying forces on the ground. His stance initially met strong opposition from Germany and Poland, but recent discussions indicate a shift in attitudes.

Behind-the-Scenes Talks

The first high-level talks on the idea took place in December 2024, at a private meeting at NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte’s residence in Brussels. Attendees included leaders and ministers from the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Denmark, and the Netherlands, along with top EU officials.

The plan is still in early stages, and several obstacles remain. Italy’s constitution limits its ability to send troops abroad, while the Dutch and German governments would require parliamentary approval before committing to a deployment. Poland, meanwhile, remains cautious due to historical tensions with Ukraine.

Challenges and Possible Deployment Size

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has made clear that he envisions a force of 100,000 to 150,000 troops securing a post-war peace, while media reports suggest a smaller 30,000- to 40,000-strong European contingent. No final figure has been confirmed by European officials.

Estonia’s Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur emphasized that any deployment would depend on the conditions of a peace agreement. If Russian and Ukrainian forces agree to draw down troop levels, European forces could more easily maintain stability. However, if active fighting continues, the situation would become far more complex.

Ukraine’s Position and Future Alliances

During the Munich Security Conference, Zelenskyy argued that Ukraine’s military experience could play a pivotal role in Europe’s future security. He proposed the formation of a new military alliance, calling for an “Armed Forces of Europe” to counter Russia.

“Without the Ukrainian army, European armies will not be enough to stop Russia. This is the reality,” Zelenskyy stated.

However, he acknowledged that Ukraine lacks sufficient military equipment, including fighter jets and air defense systems.

“If we had 150 to 160 F-16 fighter jets and over 25 Patriot missile systems, why would we need U.S. or European troops?” he questioned.

Implications for NATO and the EU

Zelenskyy has insisted that if Ukraine is not granted NATO membership, an alternative security structure must be created—potentially involving European troops on the ground. He also warned that Russia could attack European NATO states from Belarus as soon as this year, increasing the urgency for Europe to develop a unified military response.

As discussions continue, European leaders must decide whether they are willing and able to send troops to Ukraine’s front lines—and what risks such a move could pose for relations with Russia.