3 days ago
San Juan designates ‘basaan zone' for Wattah Wattah 2025, warns violators
The San Juan City local government unit has designated a specific zone where the public can engage in the 'basaan' tradition of the annual Wattah Wattah Festival, following last year's unruly celebration.
In Mark Salazar's Wednesday report on '24 Oras,' San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora expects a more orderly celebration following the implementation of a new ordinance.
To recall, a resident tagged as 'Boy Dila' went viral for mockingly firing a water gun at an unwilling motorcycle rider.
'Ako namay umaasa na sa taong ito ay hindi niya gagawin yung ginawa niya noong nakaraang taon. Umaasa po ako natuto na siya ng leksyon at magsilbing leksyon sa lahat ng iba na maaaring gumagawa ganyan dati hindi naman nahuli,' Zamora said.
(I'm expecting he will not repeat his actions of last year. I'm hoping this serves as a lesson to him and to others as well.)
Starting June 24, the city has designated a kilometer-long 'basaan zone' from P. Guevarra Street along Pinaglabanan Road to N. Domingo St.
About 300 police officers will be deployed during the festival to ensure public safety.
'Any other area outside this basaan zone ay bawal. Kung kayo pupunta sa San Juan para magdiwang o mag-basaan, welcome na welcome po kayo sa basaan zone,' Zamora said.
(Any other area outside the basaan zone is prohibited. If you want to come to San Juan to celebrate, you are welcome in the basaan zone.)
Additionally, throwing water bombs is prohibited, as well as using high-pressure sprayers, aside from those used by firefighters taking part in the fiesta.
The public is also barred from climbing, shaking, or opening vehicles to douse motorists and passengers.
Those who splash water outside the basaan zone will be meted a fine of P5,000 and face detention of up to 10 days.
For minors caught violating the ordinance, their parents and guardians will have to pay the corresponding fine.
Some residents of Barangay Balong-bao, where Boy Dila resides, expressed their disappointment, saying this was a break from tradition.
Meanwhile, GMA Integrated News found Boy Dila inside a detention facility after he allegedly violated the Anti-Bastos Law for catcalling a minor.
The man, who personally apologized to Zamora last year for his behavior during the fiesta, admitted to a lapse in judgment, saying he was drunk at the time of the incident. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News
