Sotto wants cloud seeding in Taal eruption-affected areas

Senate President Vicente Sotto III proposed Monday cloud seeding in areas affected by the eruption of Taal Volcano.

Sotto said he already sent a word to the Malacanang through Senator Christopher ‘Bong’ Go and Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea.

“I'm proposing Cloud Seeding action in the Taal Volcano affected areas and not wait for the rain. I sent word to the executive department through Bong Go and ES Medialdia,” he said in a message to reporters.

He said “water solves the ashfall debris” and could help clear up the air.

He said Medialdea told him that his suggestion will be considered. He added other senators are supporting his suggestion.

In another message, Sotto said the Philippine Air Force has also already been informed of his suggestion.

“Air Force is now being informed of my suggestion. PAF has a group that handles that. Pinag-aaralan na as we speak,” he said

He added PAF chief Lieutenant General Rozzano Briguez said “they wait till their planes can fly within the areas concerned when the phreatic explosions will no longer affect their engines.”

He said PAF supports the idea of cloud seeding.

Sotto said it was Senate sergeant-at-arms Rene Samonte, a former Air Force commander, who relayed his concern to PAF. —LDF, GMA News