SAN Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora said that this early he is announcing that next year’s traditional Wattah! Wattah! Festival “basaan” will only be held along three areas in the city.

Zamora, quoted by The Manila Times in their exclusive interview, said that the “basaan” activities will be limited along Pinaglabanan Road, from N. Domingo to P. Guevarra, starting next year. 

This meant that water dousing activities cannot be done in other areas in the city outside of the specified zone.

“If gusto mapasama sa basaan it is only in those areas, Pinaglabanan Road and N. Domingo and P. Guevarra. Dito lang pwede if ayaw niyo mabasa iwasan na ang lugar na mga ito,” Zamora said.

Zamora explained that as part of their patron saint,  St. John the Baptist has been a tradition in the city as far as he could remember.

“Bata pa lang ako, ganyan na kapag sanay tao sa basaan ganyan. Minsan may tao ok lang sa basaan may iba papasok ayaw mabasa, ayaw makisali kasi may work. Basaan is a nature ng festival, but we have to respect people that cannot participate. And some people crossed the line using it as an excuse,” Zamora said.

“So as early as now we are saying this so as for everyone to prepare,” he added.

It will be recalled that there had been complaints against unruly residents who caused disturbance to passersby and even motorists who traversed the city last June 24, during the height of the feast of the city’s patron saint.

The most controversial of all was “Boy Dila” who became viral after proudly posting his actions on social media, including that of dousing water continuously at a motorcycle delivery rider who was just doing his job.

It earned thousands of reactions.

Zamora had apologized for the unruly behavior of the residents during the celebration, assuring that charges will be filed.

Banner Photo Courtesy: PNA