San Juan City LGU apologizes for 'basaan' chaos, urges public to submit evidence for investigation
The local government of San Juan City on Thursday, June 27 issued an apology regarding the behavior of some residents during the "basaan" activity as part of the "Wattah! Wattah! Festival 2024" last June 24.
Social media users shared their unpleasant experiences online, including a Reddit post that is now being shared on Facebook. The original poster (OP) narrated the experiences of fellow commuters in a jeepney, claiming that their gadgets were damaged, school documents were soaking wet, and a child almost drowned.
"Hanggang ngayon, wala akong ibang maramdaman kundi galit," the post read.
"40,000 pesos ang laptop ko, 23,000 pesos ang cellphone ko. Sino ngayon ang sisihin at sisingilin ko? Sino ang dapat managot sa lahat ng mga sinira ng mga basurang tao na nambabasa sa kalsada?"
In response, San Juan City Tourism and Cultural Affairs apologized on Facebook, expressing their regret over any incidents of misconduct that occurred during this year's event.
"Humihingi kami ng paumanhin sa nangyaring kaguluhan sa basaan noong kapistahan ni San Juan Bautista," the statement began.
"Ang 'basaan' ay isang relihiyoso at pangkulturang tradisyon na isinasagawa sa San Juan tuwing taunang pagdiriwang ng Kapistihan ni San Juan Bautista. Ito ay sumisimbolo sa binyagang isinagawa nina Hesukristo at San Juan Bautista, na ginugunita sa kapistahan ni San Juan Bautista tuwing ika-24 ng Hunyo. Ipinagmamalaki ng Lungsod ng San Juan ang tradisyong ito bilang bahagi ng pagkakakilanlan ng Lungsod," it continued.
LGU to investigate the incident
According to the LGU, it is conducting a thorough investigation into the incident and is addressing all complaints.
"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."
Furthermore, the San Juan City LGU urged the public to submit evidence, such as photos and videos, to the City Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office if they witness any individuals breaking the law during the festival.
"Kung kayo ay may mga pruweba ng paglaba ng batas noong Hunyo 24, maaaaring isumite ang ebidensyang videos o photos sa City Tourism and Cultural Affairs ng Lungsod upang ito ay maproseseo at malaman ang pagkakakilanlan ng mga lumabag," they wrote, emphasizing that anyone found breaking the law during the event will be subject to punishment in accordance with the law.
"Ang mga ebidensyang ito ay ipapasa sa San Juan City Police Station para sa karagdagang imbestigasyon at legal na aksyon."
Similarly, the LGU is also asking everyone to work together to follow the rules and be respectful during future festivals. This will ensure everyone, both those taking part and watching, has a good experience.
"Tinitiyak namin na gagawin namin ang lahat ng kinakailangang hakbang upang masigurong pananagutin ang lahat ng mga lumabag nang naaayon at upang hindi na ito maulit pa sa sa mga susunod na padiriwang," the statement concluded.
The "Wattah! Wattah! Festival" in San Juan City is celebrated every june 24. It traditionally involves joyous water festivities where participants douse each other with water.