By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora announced that the local government will introduce an ordinance to designate a ‘basaan zone’ during the Wattah-Wattah Festival.
This decision comes in response to recent incidents where some residents caused disturbances to passersby and motorists.
Starting next year, the traditional ‘basaan’ will be restricted to the Pinagalaban section, from N. Domingo to P. Guevarra Street, along with other designated activities.
Mayor Zamora emphasized that ‘basaan’ will not be permitted outside of these designated areas.
The procession of the image of Saint John the Baptist, the city’s patron saint, will still proceed around the city as usual.
Recently, a delivery rider who was allegedly assaulted during the festival filed a formal complaint with the San Juan Prosecutor’s Office.
Former San Juan Mayor and Senator JV Ejercito criticized the incidents during ‘basaan,’ attributing them to a “failure of leadership.”
“This behavior is not reflective of San Juaneños. Perhaps there was insufficient preparation and reminders. In the past, I have apprehended troublemakers who disrupted commuters on their way to work. The spirit of the San Juan Fiesta was tarnished. This is a failure of leadership!” Ejercito stated.
(el Amigo/mnm)