A delivery rider is the very first complainant to file criminal charges against some residents of San Juan City who allegedly became unruly during the conduct of the traditional "basaan" (water-dousing) on June 24.
Eustaquio Rapal and Mayor Francis Zamora
Lalamove rider Eustaquio Rapal was personally accompanied by San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora and other city government officials when he filed the criminal complaints of unjust vexation and slander or malicious mischief at the Office of the City Prosecutor on Friday, June 28.
"This marks a significant step in addressing the disturbance that occurred during the city's traditional festivities. Mayor Zamora, visibly disappointed by the behavior of a few individuals, emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and respect during public celebrations," the city government said.
"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," Zamora stated.
"Basaan" is a traditional water-dousing activity conducted during the celebration of Wattah! Wattah! Festival, commemorating the feast of the city's patron saint, St. John the Baptist. The activity symbolizes the baptism of Jesus Christ by St. John.
However, in this year's celebration, incidents were reported and became viral on social media where pedestrians and motorists were harassed by out of control and misbehaving merry-makers, including the recent incident involving Rapal and the suspect.
According to Rapal, he saw a resident who was about to douse him with water, prompting him to tell the man not to because his cellphone and documents which he was transporting would be damaged.
Despite his pleas, the man still doused him with water, destroying his cellphone.
Rapal cursed at the man who then proceeded to hit the victim on the head.
Zamora said he would replace Rapal's phone and compensate him for the days he was unable to work due to the incident.
"We will not tolerate any form of misconduct that disrupts our community events and endangers the well-being of our citizens. Our city’s festivals are meant to unite us in celebration, not to be tarnished by the reckless actions of a few," Zamora said.
The city government said the San Juan City Police Station and the Office of the City Prosecutor will now handle Rapal's 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 Mr. Rapal and other complainants in their pursuit of justice," the local government unit (LGU) said.
"As the case progresses, it will serve as a reminder of the city's commitment to upholding the law and protecting its citizens from any form of harassment or vandalism. Mayor Zamora reiterated his call for responsible behavior and community solidarity, ensuring that future celebrations of the Feast of St. John the Baptist, and other events, remain joyous and harmonious," it added.
The mayor had earlier apologized to the public over the chaos during the celebration as he called upon others who were victimized during the "basaan" to file appropriate charges against those involved.
“Hinihikayat ko po ang ating mga mamamayan na pumunta sa aking opisina, lalo na 'yung mga naging biktima. Sapagkat mas gusto ko po na talagang pumunta sila rito at sila ang mag-file ng kaso direct po sa ating mga piskal upang Revised Penal Code mismo ang magamit sa kanila kung saan mas malaki ang magiging parusa sa kanila, maari silang makulong (I am urging our citizens who were victimized to proceed to my office to file charges. I would like them to personally file cases directly before our fiscal so that they can be penalized under the Revised Penal Code for heavier penalties)," Zamora said.
The city's Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office earlier said it has already received reports of the alleged chaos and unruliness of residents during the activity.
"Kami ay aktibong nangangalap ng ebidensya ng kaguluhan sa nasabing kaganapan. Ang mga isinumiteng video ay sinusuri upang matukoy ang mga lumabag sa City Ordinance No. 51, series of 2018, at iba pang umiiral na batas. Kung kayo ay may mga pruweba ng paglabag sa batas noong Hunyo 24, maaaring isumite ang ebidensyang videos o photos sa City Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office ng Lungsod upang ito ay maproseso at malaman ang pagkakakilanlan ng mga lumabag (We are actively collecting evidence of the chaos during the event. All submitted videos are being scrutinized to determine the individuals who violated City Ordinance No. 51, series of 2018, and other laws. If you have photo or video evidences of people violating the ordinance on July 24, you may submit it at the City Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office for processing and identification of violators)," it noted.
Under San Juan's City Ordinance No. 51, series of 2018, individuals that are proven guilty of being unruly during the celebration of the fiesta could be penalized with a fine of P2,500 to P5,000, and be imprisoned for up to six days.