CONCEPCION, Tarlac (Dec. 5, 2025) — Residents of a small village here witnessed a glimpse of martial law as they condemned the heavy police presence during the service of two search warrants to a member of the House.
“Parang martial law dito sa aming barangay, ang mga sundalo ay nasa bawat kanto,” said resident Christian David.
David was referring to the deployment of about 100 members of the Special Action Force (SAF) of the Philippine National Police at several choke points in Barangay San Vicente early this morning. The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) served two warrants on Tarlac Third Congressional District Representative Noel “Bong” Rivera.
The warrants were allegedly to search for illegal firearms being kept by Rivera as the SAF blocked the road leading to the compound of the Riveras, preventing residents and barangay leaders from all over Concepcion town from getting close to the property.
Eyewitness reports said that the CIDG raided several houses belonging to Rivera and his children, damaging parts of the houses. They failed to find any unlicensed firearms. Tarlakenyo was not able to independently confirm this report.
“Kapitan pa lang ako … ayokong magkaroon ng baril na walang lisensya dahil alam ko yun ang batas. Although nakita nilang may mga lisensya [ang mga baril], dapat daw dalhin kaya pinadala ko,” the softspoken leader said.
The 5 A.M. deployment of the heavily armed SAF was equally heavily deplored by residents in what was perceived as harassment not only of their beloved congressman but also of residents.
“Bakit kailangan pa nilang takutin kaming mga residente. Apektado ang mga bata at takot pumasok sa eskwelahan,” said a mother, who declined to be identified.
The CIDG and SAF left the Rivera property around 12:25 P.M. amid cheers and jeers from several hundred residents.
Not long after, Concepcion Mayor Noel Villanueva later showed up at Rivera’s residence to show unequivocal support for the embattled congressman, who, during the CIDG operation, remained inside the house.
