Residents alarmed over raid on Tarlac congressman’s house

MANILA, Philippines — Residents of Barangay San Vicente in Concepcion, Tarlac criticized what they described as a “martial law-like” raid on the compound of 3rd District. Rep. Noel Rivera on Friday.

According to the residents, more than 100 members of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force and the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group were positioned at multiple choke points, blocking roads and restricting their movements as early as 5 a.m.

“It was just like there was martial law in our barangay. There were policemen in all corners,” said Christian David, adding that the presence of numerous armed personnel startled villagers and disrupted their normal lives.

Other residents said the operation left children frightened, with many of them feeling too scared to go to school that day.

Police served two search warrants on Rivera’s residence and facilities linked to 3G Construction and Development Corp. – a company the Rivera family owns.

The operation led to the seizure of 10 firearms and arrest of two people.

Rivera is among several lawmakers linked to the multibillion-peso flood control corruption scandal.

The congressman has denied keeping illegal firearms, adding that the raiding team did not find any gun during the raid.

He also denied any involvement in anomalous flood control projects and expressed readiness to face investigation before the Office of the Ombudsman regarding ghost projects.