SAN Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora and a lalamove rider filed harassment charges before a trial court in this city.

Zamora accompanied rider Eustaquio Rapal, in filing criminal complaints against a certain individual, at the Office of the City Prosecutor, Hall of Justice, San Juan City.

The legal action is from an alleged incident that occurred during the Wattah Wattah Festival, as part of the Feast of St. John the Baptist celebrations in San Juan City, where Rapal was allegedly victimized.

This marks a significant step in addressing the disturbance that occurred during the city’s traditional festivities. 

Zamora said he is visibly disappointed by the behavior of a few individuals, emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and respect during public celebrations. 

“I am very disappointed with the behavior of a few who managed to put a blight in the celebration of the Feast of St. John the Baptist,” he stated.

The Wattah Wattah Festival is a cherished event in San Juan City, known for its vibrant and joyous atmosphere. It commemorates the feast day of St. John the Baptist, where residents and visitors engage in water dousing activities symbolizing baptism. 

But various incidents had been reported and became viral on social media as videos showed pedestrians and motorists being harassed by out of control and misbehaving merry-makers, including the recent incident involving Rapal and the suspect. 

According to the complaint, Rapal was performing his duties as a Lalamove rider when he encountered the suspect.

“We will not tolerate any form of misconduct that disrupts our community events and endangers the well-being of our citizens,” the mayor declared. 

“Our city’s festivals are meant to unite us in celebration, not to be tarnished by the reckless actions of a few,” he said.

The San Juan Police Station and the Office of the City Prosecutor will handle the case, as both entities work together to process the complaint and initiate the necessary legal proceedings. 

The mayor assured the public that the city government will provide all necessary support to Rapal and other complainants in their pursuit of justice.

The incidents sparked conversations among San Juan residents about the importance of mutual respect, consent, and civility during public gatherings. 

Meanwhile Zamora apologized to the public over the incident.

“Una sa lahat, ako po ay buong pagpapakumbaba na humihingi ng paumanhin at pasensya sa lahat ng na naapektuhan at naging biktima ng iilang mamamayan namin na nanggulo noong panahon ng aming kapistahan noong June 24, 2024. Ako po ay humihingi ng paumanhin kung binuksan o pinasok po ang inyong sasakyan para basain po kayo,” Zamora said.

“Hindi ako papayag na ang imahe at reputasyon ng Lungsod ng San Juan at ng aming kapistahan ay masira ng dahil lamang sa iilang mamamayan na nanggulo. At sisiguraduhin ko na ang lahat na yan ay makakasuhan ng mga nararapat na kaso base sa aming city ordinance at makasuhan base po sa Revised Penal Code upang sila po ay matuto ng leksyon,” he added.

Presently, Zamora relayed that the city is currently in the process of collating all videos and photos on the internet of people who are in violation of the City Ordinance No. 51, Series of 2018 An Ordinance Regulating the Wattah Wattah San Juan Fiesta and Providing Penalties Thereof. 

The ordinance explicitly expresses the prohibition of forcibly opening private and public vehicles, threatening and harming individuals, shaking of vehicles, and entering of public vehicles to throw water (to passengers). 

Those who will be proven to have violated the ordinance will face the following penalties and fines: P2,500 fine and 1 day community service for first-time offenders; P3,500 and 3 days of community service for second-time offenders; and P5,000 and 1-6 days of imprisonment for third-time offenders.

He has also given marching orders to all the barangay chairpersons to identify the perpetrators saying, “Kahit sino pa sila ay haharapin nila ang parusa na ito.”

Zamora also addressed those who desecrated the reputation of the city and the essence of the festival, saying, “Iisa-isahin namin kayo base sa mga photos at videos na ito at sisiguraduhin naming managot kayo dito. Sisiguraduhin naming maparusahan kayo dito. Asahan niyo yan.”