CEBU CITY – To all Mobile Legends (ML) lovers, play moderately.

This was the advice of Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan after a 24-year-old resident became mentally ill due to excessive playing of the popular mobile game.

“Pahimangno sa atong mga kabatan-uanan, dili intawn ta magpalabi sa pagduwa og Mobile Legends kay aduna kini bati nga epekto hilabi na kung malimtan ninyu ang inyung kaon. Dili ta angay mo kompyansa (Reminder to our youths, please don’t play Mobile Legends too much because it has bad effects especially if you fail to eat on time. Do not be complacent,” Chan said in his Facebook page.

Chan shared the post of Annabeth Cuizon, head of the City Social Welfare Development Office, who visited Alucard (not his real name), who is now suffering mental disorder for playing ML too much.

Cuizon said Alucard spent too much time playing ML and he started complaining of headaches in July.

Cuizon said Alucard’s addiction to the online game caused him to skip meals that may have triggered the mental illness.

The man’s family then learned about the free services of the Mental Health Clinic that the city is offering in cooperation with the Philippine Mental Health Association.

Led by Cuizon, CSWO personnel visited the man in their home.

Cuizon said Alucard was already scheduled for a “teleconsult” where he will be examined by a psychologist to examine his condition and determine the needed medication.

“It is only now that I learned that playing ML has adverse effects. We can play the game but in moderation so we will not be skipping meals,” said Cuizon, who brought grocery items when they visited Alucard.