A traditional Filipino fishing ground near Palawan, the Quirino or Jackson Atoll is now under the control of China as gray and white Chinese vessels have not left the atoll. The Chinese have stationed up to five ships to keep Filipino fishermen at bay.
The Quirino Atoll was reportedly a rich source of catch for a long time for fishermen not only from Palawan but also from Southern Luzon, Western Visayas and even Metro Manila.
According to some Filipino fishermen who used to roam the area, the Chinese vessels would not allow them to come near or linger in the Quirino Atoll which was also called as the Jackson Five, because of the five lagoons found in the atoll.
The Jackson Atoll which is just 60 miles off the coast of Palawan was located between the Philippine-occupied Lawak Island and the Chinese-occupied Panganiban (Mischief) Reef, which was one of the Philippines former occupied area.
The presence of Chinese vessels in the Jackson Atoll was also confirmed by Philippine air patrol but the government did not do anything to stop the occupation of the Chinese vessels.
The Chinese are claiming almost the entire South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea. Manila is contesting Beijing’s claim before an international arbitral court based in The Hague.
