The male resident who gained notoriety for his unruly behavior during this year’s Wattah, Wattah Festival in San Juan City publicly apologized for his actions on Tuesday.
Apology to the Delivery Rider
The 21-year-old man expressed his desire to apologize personally to the delivery rider he accosted with a water gun, an incident that was caught on camera and subsequently led to online threats against him.
“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,” he said during a press conference with Mayor Francis Zamora.
(“Especially to the rider, I ask for your forgiveness. I want to meet you personally to say sorry.”)
He also addressed those who have been threatening him and his family, pleading for them to be spared from the backlash.
“Sa mga nagbabanta po sa akin…nai-stress na rin po. Kung ano ano na lang din po ang lumalabas 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.”)
Mayor Zamora’s Stance
Mayor Zamora announced that he is prepared to arrange a meeting between the man and the unidentified rider, during which the man would offer a helmet and raincoat as peace offerings. Despite expressing disappointment with the resident’s actions, Zamora confirmed that no city ordinances were violated during the festival.
“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,” Zamora explained.
(“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.”)
Potential Legal Actions
The mayor emphasized that it is now up to the delivery rider and any other possible victims to decide whether to file charges against the man.
“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,” Zamora stated.
(“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.”)
Future of the Wattah, Wattah Festival
In response to the public outcry, Mayor Zamora announced that starting next year, the traditional water activities during the Feast of Saint John the Baptist will be confined to specific areas to prevent further disturbances.