MDL Philippines said investigation is already underway regarding reports of game-fixing within the MLBB esports scene. One former coach of a collegiate squad was banned, two more players will be terminated, while one more has been suspended.
Mobile Legends Development League (MDL) Philippines, various Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) teams, and players spoke out on Thursday, as reports and discussions of alleged game-fixing within the esports scene quickly spread on social media.
Several teams in the MDL also announced their cooperation and declared subsequent penalties for identified parties.
One coach of a collegiate esports team was permanently banned. The contracts of two players in the MDL would be terminated, while another player was suspended.
MDL, the amateur edition of the Mobile Legends Professional League (MPL), released a statement on Thursday night, saying an investigation was already under way.
"We are aware of the community discussions about the alleged game-fixing in MDL Philippines Season 3 and the league is already investigationg this matter," the statement read. "MDL Philippines seeks to uphold professionalism and does not condone match-fixing and any activities that will compromise the integrity of the tournament."
The issue came to light when Francis "Ducky" Glindro, coach of MPL Philippines squad AP.Bren, issued a warning on social media.
"If you fixed your matches in MDL PH S3, best believe I will find out and you are all going home. You know who you are and I'm coming for you," he wrote on Facebook.
Gold laner Billy "Z4pnu" Alfonso, who last played for Smart Omega, also weighed in.
"Siraulong bata, nagbebenta ng laro. Tapos career mo," he posted.
A few hours later, Ducky straight up posted the Facebook profile of one Jigen Paul, along with a supposed screenshot offering P100,000 for three fixed games in MPL and/or MDL.
"I will find out whoever this guy is working with and some other people who fixes matches and deal with you so efn good you won’t forget about me," Ducky posted. "You’re a disgrace of a Head Coach."
His page has since been deactivated. But various screenshots of supposed offers of match-fixing spread on the comment section of Ducky's and Z4pnu's posts.
Jigen Paul Masangkay used to be a coach for the UST Teletigers (TGR) Esports Club, the official esports arm of University of Santo Tomas.
Also known as "Jigs", Masangkay was welcomed back in 2021 as a member of Nexplay.
He was also named as an official local restreamer during Week 5 of MPL Philippines Season 13.
Following the issue, TGR posted its own statement, confirming they have terminated Masangkay's agreement and permanently banned him from related activities and future events.
"The organization, its management, the ML:BB managerial staff, and players were completely unaware of the external actions of Jigen Paul," the statement read.
TGR clarified they secured Jigen Paul's services as coach from August 2023 and has been inactive since late November that same year.
"Due to the allegations and accusations of match-fixing, fraud, and other unsportsmanlike behavior, the organization had decided to terminate his Collegiate Esports Staff Agreement due to his alleged involvement in a match-fixing issue in MDL/MPL and his inability to perform his responsibilities as a coach to one of our teams, specifically Team C."
"With this, effective immediately, Jigen Paul is terminated and permanently banned from any organizational activities and future events."
The issue prompted UST Teletigers Esports Club co-founder and MPL Philippines caster Theo “Uomi” Ignacio to praise those who keep the esports scene credible.
"Making a living in esports is hard. Huge respect to those who keep it clean and credible," he tweeted. "May your hard work lead you to greater heights. There is no shortcut to success."
Some MDL teams have already expressed cooperation regarding the investigation.
TNCZ4, the academy team of TNC Pro Team, announced the suspension of jungler Jhonjie Paul "Jiee" Dela Rosa as part of the probe.
"This action follows a thorough review of our team's values and code of conduct, where it became evident that certain behaviors were not aligned with the standards we uphold. We believe that this suspension is necessary to uphold the integrity of our organization and the broader gaming community," TNCZ4 said in its statement.
The squad also requested a league-wide investigation into the matter.
ONIC Arsenals, affiliated with ONIC Philippines, also confirmed their cooperation.
"In ONIC Philippines, we do not condone such action. We are purely an esports organization with no ties nor relationship individually or as a team to any betting sites nor participate in any. It is our mandate to ensure that the people within the organization understand what ONIC stands for and it is to adhere to the highest standards of integrity," their statement read.
Meanwhile, RSG Philippines announced that the contracts of two players from its MDL squad El Ganador would be terminated.
They identified Raven "Aeris" Arellano and Christian John "Nyija" Calantoc.
This is a developing story.