China gains control of Philippines’ Quirino Atoll of Spratly islands

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China gains control of Philippines’ Quirino Atoll of Spratly islands as the tension caused by intrusions in the West Philippine Sea continues.

The traditional fishing grounds of Filipino fisherman around, and including, Quirino Atoll or Jackson Atoll has been taken over by the Chinese, reports from national papers said.

The area around the atoll is a rich fishing grounds for fishermen from Palawan, Visayas and Southern Luzon.

Reports said that Chinese vessels have anchored near the atoll and prevent fishermen from coming near the area.

Fishermen lament that around four gray and white ships prevented them from staying in the area to catch fish as Chinese boats gave them a chase.

Meanwhile, in the campaign trail on Wednesday, Vice presidential candidate Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. urged the Philippine government to engage in bilateral talks with China amid the rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

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