Complaints were lodged against six individuals for causing inconvenience to passers-by during the Wattah Wattah Festival, according to San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora on Monday.
“Noong araw mismo ng kapistahan ay anim po ang kinasuhan at isa diyan involved nga supposedly naghagis ng muriatic acid. On the spot, anim po ang na-apprehend, nakasuhan,” Zamora revealed in an interview with Dobol B TV.
The annual Wattah Wattah Festival, held on June 24, honors patron saint John the Baptist with traditional water dousing as part of the celebrations. However, some residents went too far, dousing water on unwilling participants.
Zamora personally accompanied one of the victims to file a complaint before the Prosecutor’s Office, with charges including unjust vexation, malicious mischief, and slander. Some victims chose not to proceed with their complaints after reaching an amicable settlement.
“Meron ding ibang cases regarding damage to properties sa mga sasakyan ‘yung mga sumampa ng sasakyan, ngunit nagkaroon naman sila ng amicable settlement kaya hindi na po tinuloy,” Zamora added.
To address these issues, Zamora stated that the city government would make adjustments for future celebrations. A city ordinance already prohibits individuals from forcibly opening vehicles to drench passengers or climbing on and shaking vehicles. Zamora mentioned they would work on closing loopholes in this measure.
Additionally, the city government will designate specific areas where water can be sprayed during the festival. Zamora also mentioned discussing the possibility of holding a mass baptism, or binyagang bayan, during the event with concerned officials.
