The local government of San Juan City has issued an apology for the chaos and inconveniences caused during the traditional “basaan” at the annual “Wattah Wattah Festival” on June 24. Mayor Francis Zamora addressed the issue in a press briefing on Thursday.
“I apologize for the incidents during our festival. I will not allow the image and reputation of San Juan City and our festival to be tarnished by a few troublemakers,” said Mayor Zamora.
He assured the public that authorities are now examining videos and photos circulating online that show residents dousing innocent passersby, including those inside vehicles, with water. The mayor emphasized that City Ordinance No. 51, series of 2018, penalizes unruly behavior during the festival with fines ranging from P2,500 to P5,000 and up to six days of imprisonment.
The local police reported only one complaint for physical injury, involving an individual who allegedly threw muriatic acid. “The only complaint we received involved someone sprinkling muriatic acid. The suspect was immediately arrested and detained, but has since posted bail,” said San Juan City Police Chief Col. Francis Allan Reglos.
Mayor Zamora noted that not all individuals who behaved unruly during the festival were city residents. “We cannot identify everyone who attends our festival since it is open to all. This makes the celebration potentially open to sabotage.”
The mayor encouraged victims to file complaints with the local government’s assistance. “I urge our citizens, especially the victims, to come to my office and file complaints directly with our prosecutors for stronger penalties under the Revised Penal Code,” he stated.
The City Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office also issued an apology for the incident earlier.
