First case filed vs ‘Wattah Wattah’ violators

MANILA, Philippines — San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora accompanied a delivery rider in filing a case against city residents who violated the regulations on “Basaan Day” (dousing of water) during the “Wattah Wattah” Festival in celebration of the Feast of St. John the Baptist on June 24.

The first complainant who accepted Zamora’s challenge to come out, Lalamove rider Eustaquio Rapal, officially filed criminal complaints against unspecified individuals before the Office of the City Prosecutor at the Hall of Justice in San Juan.

Rapal’s criminal complaint stemmed from an incident that occurred during the Wattah Wattah Festival in the city.

In his complaint, Rapal said he was performing his duties as a Lalamove rider when he encountered the suspects. 

The incident sparked discussion on the importance of mutual respect, consent and civility during festivities such as the Wattah Wattah.

Zamora said the San Juan police station and the Office of the City Prosecutor would handle the case, and both agencies would work together to process the complaint and initiate the necessary legal proceedings.

The incident in question is in violation of San Juan City Ordinance 51, Series of 2018 – An Ordinance Regulating the Wattah Wattah San Juan Fiesta and Providing Penalties Thereof.

The ordinance explicitly prohibits forcibly opening private and public vehicles, threatening and harming people, and shaking or entering any vehicle to throw water.

Violators of the ordinance face a fine of P2,500 and one day of community service for first-time offenders; P3,500 and three days of community service for second-time offenders, and P5,000 and one to six days of imprisonment for third-time offenders.

Zamora has ordered all barangay captains to identify the perpetrators, saying, “whoever they are, they will face punishment.” 

The mayor said Rapal’s complaint marked a significant step in addressing the disturbance that occurred during the city’s traditional festivities.

He said he was disappointed by the behavior of a few persons, as he emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and respect during public celebrations. 

“I am very disappointed with the behavior of a few who managed to put a blight in the celebration of the Feast of St. John the Baptist,” Zamora said. 

He said that the Wattah Wattah Festival is a cherished event in the city, as it is known for its vibrant and joyous atmosphere where residents and visitors douse water to commemorate the feast of St. John the Baptist, recalling the baptism of Jesus Christ.

“For the next celebrations, we will ensure that this chaos will never happen again. Those who committed these acts against (Rapal) will be punished according to the law. We will ensure that the full force of the law will be on them,” Zamora said, adding that a “basin zone” will be designated in next year’s festivity.

Videos that went viral on social media showed misbehaving residents going out of control, harassing pedestrians, passersby and motorists during the festivity.

Zamora said these incidents should remind San Juan residents about the importance of upholding the law and protecting the public from any form of harassment or vandalism.

He said that the filing of charges by Rapal is a clear message to all, that the city government will not condone actions that disrupt public order and safety.

“It is a step toward preserving the sanctity of the city’s traditions and ensuring that all residents and visitors can enjoy the festivities without fear or intimidation,” Zamora said.

The mayor continued to call on citizens to come forward if they know anyone in the videos, to help identify the perpetrators.