Violence marred the celebration of the Wattah Wattah Festival in San Juan City yesterday after a group of men mauled a suspected snatcher, while four other persons, including a woman were slightly injured in a rumble between two groups of youths on Pinaglaban Street, police said.
Police said a group of men mauled a suspected snatcher who reportedly tried to grab the cellular phone of a woman watching the Wattah Wattah event.
The suspect, identified as Manny Manuel, denied the allegation. He said he was a legitimate resident of San Juan and had no intention of stealing the woman’s phone.
Manuel sustained head injuries and bruises and was brought to a clinic for treatment. He is facing theft charges.
Meanwhile, three more persons were slightly hurt in a fight between two groups of young men who were reportedly drunk. The men were taken to a police station.
The annual festival is in honor of the town’s patron saint, St John the Baptist, and locals splash water on friends and passersby and participate in different games.