From The Manila Times -
SAN Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora and a Lalamove rider filed harassment complaints before a city trial court, and apologized to other victims of mischief during the Wattah Wattah Festival.
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 the city, where Rapal was allegedly victimized by the suspect.
This marks a significant step in addressing the disturbance that occurred during the city's traditional festivities.
Zamora said he is disappointed by the behavior of a few individuals, and emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and respect during public celebrations.
"I am very disappointed with the behavior of a few who managed to blight the celebration of the Feast of St. John the Baptist," he said.
The Wattah Wattah Festival is a cherished event in San Juan City, known for its vibrant and joyous atmosphere. It celebrates 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 unruly and misbehaving merrymakers, 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 said.
"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 (I apologize to those who fell victim to mischief and unruly behavior by some merrymakers during the Wattah Wattah festival last June 24)," Zamora said.
Also, Zamora said 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 51, s. 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 one day community service for first-time offenders; P3,500 and three days of community service for second-time offenders; and P5,000 and one to six days of imprisonment for third-time offenders.
He has ordered all the barangay chairmen to identify the perpetrators saying, "Kahit sino pa sila ay haharapin nila ang parusa na ito (they must be punished whoever they may be)."
For more, check out The Manila Times.