Wattah Wattah Festival sees minor scuffle amidst water fun

• The annual Wattah Wattah Festival in San Juan City was briefly disrupted by a confrontation between two youth groups, resulting in a broken bottle and an injury

• Law enforcement quickly intervened to address the scuffle, providing first aid to the injured individual and launching an investigation, allowing the festival to largely proceed

• San Juan City implemented specific "basaan zones," limited water dousing hours (7 AM - 2 PM), and enforced prohibitions against dirty water, high-pressure sprays, and dousing from vehicles to prevent issues

• Despite the isolated incident, the majority of the Wattah Wattah Festival continued peacefully, with residents and visitors adhering to the rules and enjoying the traditional water dousing

The festive atmosphere of the annual Wattah Wattah Festival in San Juan City was briefly marred by a disturbance on Tuesday, June 24, when a confrontation erupted between two groups of young individuals amidst the traditional water dousing activities.

The incident, which involved a broken bottle and resulted in an injury, was swiftly addressed by authorities, allowing the popular celebration to continue largely as planned.

The Wattah Wattah Festival is a vibrant cultural event held annually on June 24, honoring San Juan's patron saint, St. John the Baptist, through a city-wide tradition of playful water dousing.

This year, despite efforts by local government to ensure a peaceful observance, an altercation between youth groups momentarily disrupted the merriment.

According to a report by Oscar Oida on GTV News' Balitanghali, the heated exchange escalated to the point where a bottle was shattered.

This led to at least one individual sustaining an injury. Responding quickly to the commotion, authorities provided immediate first aid to the victim and launched an investigation into the precise circumstances that led to the clash.

The prompt intervention by security personnel and local police helped contain the situation and prevent further escalation.

To manage the festivities and mitigate potential issues, the San Juan City local government, led by Mayor Francis Zamora, had implemented specific regulations for the water dousing activities.

"Basaan zones" were strictly designated to areas such as Pinaglabanan Road (from N. Domingo to P. Guevarra) and around the historic Pinaglabanan Shrine.

Furthermore, water dousing was permitted only within a specific timeframe, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This time restriction was reportedly put in place in response to complaints and challenges encountered during last year's festival.

In addition to zoning and time limitations, explicit prohibitions were enforced to ensure public safety and respectful participation.

It was strictly forbidden to douse water from moving vehicles, use dirty water, throw water contained in plastic bags, employ high-pressure water sprayers, or utilize any object that could cause harm.

To further maintain order, a liquor ban was also implemented across San Juan City from 12:01 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the day of the festival.

Violators of these ordinances faced significant penalties, including a fine of P5,000 and imprisonment for 10 days, demonstrating the city's commitment to a safe celebration.

Despite the isolated disturbance, the bulk of the Wattah Wattah Festival proceeded with the customary enthusiasm.

Residents and visitors largely adhered to the designated areas and rules, engaging in the lively tradition of splashing water as a symbolic act of blessing and purification, embodying the spirit of St. John the Baptist.

The incident underscores the challenges faced by local governments in managing large-scale public events, even with extensive preparations and clear guidelines, and highlights the importance of continued vigilance to ensure public safety.

Authorities are working to identify those involved in the altercation and determine the full extent of responsibility.

News, photos, or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, this could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable.

In other news, a man was stabbed at Jaro Plaza in Iloilo City by a suspect who mistook him for someone who had punched him the previous year. The victim sustained stab wounds to his back and arm and was aided by three individuals on his way to the hospital, where he is now recovering. Police on patrol quickly arrested the suspect at the scene and recovered the knife used in the attack. The suspect expressed regret over the incident and now faces a frustrated h&micide charge for the mistaken and violent assault.

Still in other news, a 26-year-old man in Punta, Santa Ana, Manila, allegedly attacked a dog with a blunt object after a heated altercation with his relatives; the incident was partially caught on CCTV and witnessed by the dog's owner. The suspect, said to have a history of public disturbances and suspected drug involvement, did not resist arrest and admitted to the violent act, which left the dog convulsing and possibly with body and head fractures. Barangay officials confirmed the suspect's prior behavioral issues, with village watchmen immediately apprehending him after the assault; the weapon used was also recovered. The dog's owner plans to file formal charges under the Philippine Animal Welfare Act of 2013, determined to seek justice and accountability for what she described as a senseless and cruel attack.

Source: KAMI.com.gh