'WATTAH WATTAH'. San Juan City’s residents join the “Wattah Wattah Festival” along N. Domingo corner Blumentritt Street on June 24, 2024. The festival is held in honor of St. John the Baptist, who baptized Jesus Christ. (PNA photo by Ben Briones)
MANILA – The San Juan local government is ready to assist those who would want to file charges over the troubles and destructions caused by residents during the city's "Wattah Wattah" festival on June 24, Mayor Francis Zamora said Friday.
In a radio interview, Zamora apologized over the festival's turnout and stressed that the city does not tolerate unruly behavior.
Videos circulated on social media showing residents harassing motorists and passersby, dousing them without consent and damaging belongings, including gadgets and documents.
Reports also said a resident was splashed with muriatic acid while a police officer was deliberately splashed with water.
"Itinurn-over na ito sa pulis at sa ABC (Association of Barangay Captains) president ng San Juan. Pinapa-trace na po ang mga taong nakita sa video na clearly nag-violate ng ordinance (These reports were turned over to the police and the ABC president of San Juan. The people who were caught on video violating the ordinance are being traced)," Zamora said.
The local government unit's (LGU) Ordinance No. 51 prohibits acts such as forcibly opening private vehicles, hurting other residents and splashing water on public utility vehicles during the festival.
Violators will be penalized with a fine of PHP2,500 with one day of community service (first offense), PHP3,500 with three days of community service (second offense) and PHP5,000 with one to six days of imprisonment (third offense).
"Ang city government, pwede sila file-an ng kaso but up to the level lang ng city ordinance. But if gusto natin na mas may ngipin ang batas na gagamitin (The city government can file against them but this is only up to the level of the city ordinance, but if we want a more stringent law to be used), we can use the Revised Penal Code (RPC). But under the legal process, para ang RPC ang magamit, sila mismo dapat ang mag file ng complaint (for the RPC to be used, they should personally file a complaint)," Zamora said.
Under the RPC, Zamora said violators can be charged with unjust vexation or slight physical injuries which carry a heavier penalty.
He likewise encouraged participants or witnesses with relevant photos or videos of alleged violations to submit them to the San Juan City Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office, which will be forwarded to the San Juan City Police Station for investigation.
The mayor, meanwhile, assured the implementation of some adjustments for the annual observance, held in honor of the city's patron, St. John the Baptist.
These include establishing a zone "within the Pinaglabanan area" where basaan (water splashing) activities can be held without disrupting those who are only passing by and do not intend to join the activity. (PNA)
