San Juan implements rules for orderly Wattah Wattah Festival

San Juan City has designated a specific zone and implemented new rules to ensure public safety during this year's Wattah Wattah Festival following last year's unruly celebration.

Under the new ordinance, 'basaan' activities will be limited from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., and participants must stay within the designated basaan zone along Pinaglabanan Road.

A liquor ban will also be enforced from midnight on June 24 until 2 p.m., with penalties for violators including fines of P5,000 and up to ten days in jail.

Mayor Francis Zamora expects a more orderly celebration this year and has deployed around 300 police personnel to maintain order during the expected 3,000 participant turnout.

The city has also designated a kilometer-long 'basaan zone' from P. Guevarra Street along Pinaglabanan Road to N. Domingo St., prohibiting any other area outside this basaan zone for water activities.

Additionally, throwing water bombs and using high-pressure sprayers are prohibited, as well as climbing or shaking vehicles to douse motorists and passengers.