The MPL Philippines has decided to postpone the matches in the third week of Season 7 due to the extension of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).
"The safety and health of all players, coaches, talents, staff and their families are our utmost priority. We are committed to follow all guidelines and protocols to keep everyone safe," game developer Moonton said in a statement on Wednesday, April 7.
The government extended the implementation of the ECQ until April 11 following the sudden surge of COVID-19 cases that hit an all-time high of 15,310 last Friday.
Cignal Ultra will have to wait a little longer to make its season debut after missing the first two weeks of action and the league going on a Holy Week break.
Captain-mage/support DJ "ImbaDeejay" Astibe and his crew were supposed to play their first game against Season 6 runner-up Smart Omega on Friday, April 9.
Initially set on April 9-11, the Regular Season Week 3 was moved to April 15-18, resulting in four days of action-packed games. Adjustments were also made to the subsequent weeks.
Blacklist International is currently the best team in the league as it boasts of an unbeaten record of 3-0 to lead Group B with eight points.
Trailing behind Blacklist are Nexplay Esports (five points), Execration (four), Omega (three) and Laus Playbook Esports (two).
Fierce rivals Onic PH and Aura PH pace Group A with five points apiece though the former holds a better record of 2-0 against the latter's 2-1.
Defending world and MPL champion Bren Esports is at third with four points followed by Work Auster Force with three markers and Cignal Ultra with no points yet.