San Juan’s Wattah Wattah Festival —NIÑO JESUS ORBETA/INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
New guidelines will be set for next year’s Wattah Wattah Festival, including designating a single road as a “basaan (dousing) zone,” after the harm and distress caused by some revelers on motorists and pedestrians passing by San Juan City on June 24, the feast day of St. John the Baptist.
San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora on Friday vowed to further regulate the annual water dousing festivity honoring the city’s patron saint to prevent another ruckus that could lead to injuries.
He told a press conference that the city would designate the stretch of Pinaglabanan Street between N. Domingo and P. Guevara as the “basaan zone.”
Landmarks found on Pinaglabanan Street include the St. John the Baptist Parish Church, St. John the Baptist Catholic School, San Juan City Science High School, Pinaglabanan Memorial Shrine and the city’s hall of justice.
“Next year, we will allow the activity to be held only in that area. Water dousing in other areas outside that zone will not be allowed,” Zamora said, adding that he consulted Vice Mayor Angelo Agcaoili about drafting an ordinance that would determine the conduct of the festival beginning next year.
Complaint
But the mayor also noted that “We need to strike a balance in this religious and cultural tradition.”
Right after Zamora’s press conference, Lalamove rider Eustaquio Rapal appeared at the Office of the City Prosecutor to file a complaint against revelers who allegedly drenched him with water, soaking his mobile phone and the documents he was carrying.
READ: Netizens air frustrations over recent chaotic basaan fest in San Juan
Rapal admitted that he shouted expletives at the revelers in his anger, provoking one of them to punch him in the head.
The incident happened while traffic was at a standstill along F. Manalo Street, he told reporters.
Zamora said San Juan has an existing ordinance issued in 2018 that prohibits unruly behavior during the festival.
The revelers, for example, cannot “forcibly open” and enter private or public utility vehicles or threaten passersby.
Under City Ordinance No. 51, first-time offenders can be fined P2,500 and required to render one day of community service.
The mayor also cited the Revised Penal Code, which he said penalizes direct assault, serious physical injury, and malicious mischief, among other offenses.
Zamora asked those who were affected by the celebration to report to his office any photo or video that could help identify the offenders who “tarnished the essence and image” of the festival.
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