San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora expressed his displeasure with Lexter Castro, known as “Boy Dila,” who became the center of controversy during the Wattah! Wattah! Festival on June 24. A viral video showed Castro playfully shooting a water gun at a motorcycle rider while making faces, an act that Zamora said misrepresented the San Juaneños.
During a press conference on July 2, Zamora apologized to those hurt by the festival’s negative portrayal. “Once again, I ask for forgiveness and apologize to all those who were affected or victimized by some of our citizens because of our festival,” Zamora stated. He pointed out that the incident had unfortunately overshadowed the festival’s image.
Castro also issued a public apology, specifically to the rider he targeted. “First of all, I apologize to our mayor for what I did. Because of me, the image of San Juan was damaged,” he admitted.
The incident has led to online threats against Castro and his family, to which he responded, “I’m stressed too. There are so many threats against me, especially towards my family. I hope they stop dragging my family into this.”
In response to the backlash, Zamora highlighted the need for responsible behavior during the festival and announced plans to establish a designated “basaan zone” on Pinaglabanan Road for next year to prevent similar issues.
