Criminal raps filed vs. reveler over 'Wattah Wattah' actions

A delivery rider on Friday lodged a criminal complaint against a certain individual for allegedly harassing him during the "basaan" or splashing activities at the "Wattah Wattah" festival in San Juan City last Monday.

Mayor Francis Zamora said the complainant, Eustaquio Rapal, went to his office earlier in the day to report the latter's experience during the festivities.

"Pumunta na sila sa barangay kanina at ni-review ang CCTV ng barangay kung saan na-identify ni Ginoong Rapal at ng ating mga barangay officials ang tao na nanggulo," Zamora told reporters.

(They went to the barangay earlier and reviewed the CCTV footage, enabling Mr. Rapal and the barangay officials to identify the suspect.)

Rapal was accompanied by Zamora in filing the criminal complaint before the San Juan City Prosecutor's Office.

The victim recalled that he was stuck in traffic while on his way to Mandaluyong City when a man suddenly went to him.

"Pinigilan ko po ito, nagsabi po ako na 'Boss, 'wag po muna kasi mababasa yung cellphone ko at saka 'yung laman po nito ay mga documents.' Ngunit hindi po ako pinagbigyan, binasa pa rin po ako hanggang 'yung cellphone ko po ay nasira kasi nabasa po ng tubig," said Rapal.

(I tried to stop him and told him, "Boss, my cellphone would be damaged and I have documents with me.' But he did not listen and still doused me with water until my cellphone got wet.)

"Pagkabasa niya po sa akin, napamura po ako kasi nabasa 'yung cellphone ko. Pagkatapos po nu'n, hinampas po ako dito sa ulo. Pagkatapos niya po akong hampasin sa ulo, umalis na siya tapos 'yung ibang mga tao po doon pinagbabasa na po ako ng tubig," he added.

(After he wet me with water, I cursed out because of what happened to my cellphone. He later hit my head. After hurting me, he went away and other people attacked me with water.)

Zamora said that he would replace Rapal's damaged phone and compensate for his income loss due to the incident.

Last Thursday, the mayor apologized to the public for the inconvenience caused by some unruly residents during the festival, held annually in honor of the city's patron saint, Saint John the Baptist.

Zamora said that authorities have already identified other individuals who were caught misbehaving during the festivities.

"We are now identifying everyone who violated our city ordinance. Na-identify na namin ng one by one sa pamamagitan ng ating mga barangay captains, barangay officials, mga residente. In fact, marami na pong nagvo-volunteer ng information ngayon…Kakasuhan isa-isa," the mayor said.

(We are now identifying everyone who violated our city ordinance. Our barangay captains, officials, and residents have identified them one by one. In fact, many individuals are now volunteering to share information about the suspects… Charges will be filed against them.)

A man was also recently arrested for hurling muriatic acid during the traditional "basaan," was later released on bail. The victim had said that he was suffering from blurry vision.

The San Juan City government plans to designate a specific "basaan" zone along Pinaglaban Road starting next year to prevent rowdy scenarios from happening again. — VDV, GMA Integrated News