LEXTER Castro, known online as “Boy Dila,” who gained notoriety in 2024 for dousing a motorcycle rider with water during the Wattah Wattah Festival, is now behind bars for allegedly violating the Anti-Bastos Law.
Reporters initially went to Barangay Balong-Bato in San Juan City to check on Castro only to discover that he was already in detention.
“Wala sir, nakasuhan po ako ng Anti-Bastos Law. Sa pagsitsit po, sir. Menor de edad. Nadala lang po sa pagkalasing ko,” the 22-year-old Castro said in an interview from his holding cell.
The suspect allegedly catcalled a minor, prompting charges under the Safe Spaces Act or Anti-Bastos Law. His detention comes a year after he went viral for splashing a rider with a water gun during the 2024 Wattah Wattah Festival.
Hoping to avoid a repeat of last year’s chaotic scenes, the San Juan City government has amended local ordinances and designated specific “basaan zones” for the upcoming celebration on June 24.
Mayor Francis Zamora said the changes were made to promote safety and order during the annual festival.
“Ako naman umaasa na sa taong ito ay hindi na niya gagawin ‘yung ginawa niya noong nakaraang taon. Umaasa ako na natuto na siya ng kaniyang leksyon. At magsilbing leksiyon po ito sa lahat ng iba na maaaring gumagawa ng ganiyang dati na hindi lamang nahuli,” Zamora said.
Under the new rules, water-dousing will only be allowed along a nearly one-kilometer stretch, from P. Guevarra Street through Pinaglabanan Road to N. Domingo Street. At least 300 police officers will be deployed to monitor the area.
“Any other area outside this basaan zone, bawal. ‘Pag kayo naman po ay pupunta ng San Juan upang makipagbasaan, upang makipagdiwang sa aming kapistahan, welcome na welcome po kayo sa basaan zone,” Zamora added.
The city also banned the use of water bombs, high-pressure sprayers (except those operated by firefighters), and the opening or shaking of vehicles for splashing purposes. Violators caught dousing people outside the designated zone face a fine of P5,000 and possible imprisonment. If a minor is involved, their parent or guardian will be fined P5,000.
Barangay Balong-Bato, the home of Castro, is among the areas where water-dousing will be strictly prohibited.
