WATTAH! WATTAH! FESTIVAL IN SAN JUAN BASHED ONLINE, LGU APOLOGIZES

The annual tradition in San Juan City was once again celebrated this Monday, the “Basaan” in Wattah! Wattah! Festival was brought back to the delight of residents and the annoyance of some. 

A car was surrounded and shaken, the truck was forced to open, water was sprayed at the same time, residents hanged and jumped on a jeepney, these are just some of the scenes in Wattah! Wattah! Festival in San Juan City this Monday.

Traditional “Basaan” during Wattah! Wattah! Festival went viral and criticized (Photo courtesy of Mark Demayo/ABS-CBN News)

Many motorists and commuters were nuisance when residents wet them in Wattah! Wattah! Festival in San Juan City. The local government has apologized and assured that whoever overdid it during the festival will be held accountable.

One of the disturbed motorists who was said to have been wet for a long time and was hurt and annoyed retaliated by spraying muriatic acid. He was arrested on a complaint of physical injury and was also released after posting bail.

The videos that took place in Wattah went viral on social media! Wattah! Festival and criticized. Although “Basaan” can be considered a tradition in San Juan, there are rules issued by the local government to prevent people from perusing. 

First, waters with ice are prohibited, forcefully opening vehicle doors, and shaking vehicles is also prohibited. Due to several criticism, the City government of San Juan apologized. 

"The purpose of the feast of San Juan is to celebrate the feast of San Juan Bautista, it is a symbolism of the baptism of Jesus Christ by Saint John the Baptist, but these disturbances that some of our people do, destroy the image and reputation of our city and our festival," San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora said.

They also urged those affected to formally complain to their office. Just send the video and picture to find out the identity of the violators. It will be forwarded to the San Juan City Police for legal action.

Those found to have violated the ordinance may be fined up to P5,000 or imprisoned for up to six days. Minors will be taken to the City Social Welfare and Development Office.

“We sincerely apologize to those who were affected by the disorder and to those who took part in the event. We guarantee that we are taking all steps to hold those who are responsible accountable so that it does not happen again in the succeeding celebrations,” Mayor Zamora stated.

Source: ABS-CBN News 

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