Metal workers in danger - 13th October 2025

On this kilometre of road in Manila, The Philippines, hundreds of workers can be found. They break up old electronic products, like laptops. They work with electronic waste, or 'e-waste'. They're known as 'mambabaklas'. To make money, they hunt for different metals, such as aluminium or copper.

But their work's extremely unsafe. They often burn away rubber, so they breathe in chemicals like mercury. They can get various health problems, like breathing issues and even cancer.

Children are also in danger. Rosana Milan's a local doctor.

Rosana Milan: "It's very risky for the babies, the toddlers, and even the schoolchildren because they're exposed to those kind of chemicals. Because while their father is working, no one to tend for the children."

This man, Dexter Barsigan, has spent 13 years earning money by removing metal from e-waste. But his hands began hurting three years ago, and his eyesight started to get worse. Some days, he just watches his wife and nephew do his work.

Dexter Barsigan: "I will continue this kind of work for our daily needs. I'll choose my children over my health. I would rather sacrifice my health for my children."

The Philippines is one of the top producers of e-waste in Southeast Asia. It produces 40 million kilogrammes of waste a year.

The mambabaklas don't have any training or protective clothing. The organisation Medicins du Monde is trying to help. It's providing workers with gloves, masks and advice.

Eva Lecat's from the organisation. She realises that food for the family comes first.

Eva Lecat: "And them struggling with earning enough money just to feed their family, this is not their first priority. You know, health is clearly not their first priority. Their priority is to have food on the table."