HERMOSA, BATAAN – A birthday celebration took a surprising turn for a 46-year-old man when he was arrested during a buy-bust operation for violating Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Instead of cake, candles and booze, it was handcuffs and charges for Ansley Duero y Dabu, a resident of Barangay San Jose, Dinalupihan, Bataan.
The operation, conducted by the Hermosa Municipal Police Station (MPS) Special Drugs Enforcement Unit (SDEU) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Office 3, unfolded at 9:00 p.m. on November 24, 2024—Duero’s birthday. He was caught red-handed in Barangay Balsik, Hermosa, selling a sachet of suspected shabu to a police poseur buyer in exchange for a marked PHP 500 bill.
Adding to his unlucky day, a quick search of his belongings turned up two more sachets of suspected shabu, weighing approximately five grams and valued at PHP 38,000. The confiscated evidence was promptly secured, while Duero was escorted to his new “birthday party”—a holding cell.
The arresting team, led by Police Major Phoe G. Pangan Jr., was quick to point out that crime doesn’t take a day off, even for birthdays. “We hope the suspect enjoyed his last taste of freedom,” an officer quipped.
Charges are now being prepared, and Duero will have plenty of time to reflect on his memorable 46th.