Viral ‘Wattah, Wattah’ reveler apologizes; Zamora says up to harassed victims to file raps

The male resident who went viral for his unruly behavior during this year's Wattah, Wattah Festival in San Juan City apologized for is actions on Tuesday.

The 21-year old man said he wants to personally apologize to the delivery rider he accosted with a water gun that was caught on camera and subjected him to threats online. 

“Lalong lalo na po sa rider, humihingi po ako ng tawad sa inyo. Gusto ko po kayong makita, sa personal, gusto ko po humingi ng paumanhin po,” the man said  in a press conference alongside Mayor Francis Zamora.

(Especially to the rider, I ask for your forgiveness. I want to meet you personally to say sorry.)

“Sa mga nagbabanta po sa akin….nai-stress na rin po. Kung ano ano na lang din po ang lumalalabas na pagbabanta sa akin, lalong lalo na sa pamilya ko, huwag niyo naman po sana nila idamay,” he added.

(To everyone who is threatening me… this has caused me stress. I’ve received so many threats, even against my family. Please spare them.) 

Zamora said that he is ready to arrange a meeting between the man and the unidentified rider. He added that the man would also give the rider a helmet and raincoat as peace offerings.

The mayor on Monday said he wanted to talk to the man who went viral for his unruly behavior against a delivery rider during the Wattah Wattah Festival.

Although he admitted that he was disappointed with how the resident acted during the festival, Zamora admitted that he did not commit any violations against the city ordinance on the conduct of the water activities during the fiesta.

“Specifically yung kanyang ginawa na pagbabasa gamit ang water gun at pagdidila, kung tutuusin walang violation ito. Kahit sa batas, kinonsulta natin sa ating mga abogado…Wala kasing violation ng anumang batas,” said Zamora.

(Specifically, what he did using the water gun and sticking his tongue out, he really did not commit any violations. Even in our law, we consulted our lawyers…He did not commit any violations against our laws.)

But the mayor said that it is now up to the delivery rider and other possible victims to file charges against him.

“It is up to the rider, kung sakaling gusto niyang mag-file ng kaso. Choice po ng rider ‘yan. Hindi lang yung rider kung mayroon pang ibang naperwisyo si ----, kung ito ay mapapatunayan base sa mga CCTV o sa mga viral videos, option na po yan ng mga taong ito kung magfa-file sila na kaso,” said Zamora while the man was seated beside him.

(It is up to the rider if he wants to file a case. It’s his choice. But the other people who were disturbed by ------, if that would be proven through CCTV or viral videos, it’s up to them to file cases against him.)

As a result of the public outcry, the San Juan City mayor said the traditional water activities during the Feast of Saint John the Baptist will be limited to specific areas to avoid further public disturbances starting next year.— RF, GMA Integrated News