EPD gears up for Wattah! Wattah! Festival as thousands expected to join
The Eastern Police District (EPD) is set to deploy 477 personnel to ensure the orderly conduct of the Wattah! Wattah! Festival 2026 on June 24, with thousands of residents, devotees, and visitors expected to join the city’s annual celebration.
The Eastern Police District (EPD) will deploy hundreds of personnel to ensure the orderly conduct of the Wattah! Wattah! Festival 2026. (Photo from EPD)
The celebration commemorates the birth of St. John the Baptist, the Patron Saint of San Juan City.
Aside from the 477 EPD personnel, 172 personnel from partner law enforcement and public safety agencies will also be deployed across San Juan City to provide security during the festivities.
EPD said security preparations have been intensified under Brig. Gen. Melecio M. Buslig Jr., acting district director.
The San Juan City Police Station is also tasked to ensure peace and order, public safety, and security during the religious and cultural event.
It said that designated Basaan Zones will be set up along Pinaglabanan Street and the open parking area of the Pinaglabanan Shrine to allow festival-goers to safely take part in the water-splashing activities while maintaining public order and safety.
The EPD also urged motorists and the public to expect traffic adjustments in areas affected by the activities and to follow the guidance of deployed personnel and local authorities.
“The Eastern Police District remains fully committed to ensuring a peaceful, orderly, and secure Wattah Wattah Festival 2026. We encourage the public to cooperate with law enforcement personnel, observe safety measures, and celebrate responsibly as we honor the rich tradition and religious significance of this annual event," Buslig said.