The MLBB Development League (MDL PH) is launching a probe on alleged game-fixing claims that involved some of its players and a coach of a collegiate esports club.

The controversy rocked the MDL PH scene after AP.Bren head coach Francis “Duckeyy” Glindro posted an exchange between an unidentified personality and a certain Jigen Paul.

In the message, Jigen Paul offered P100,000 to fix games, not only in the MDL but also in the MPL Philippines.

“We are aware of the community discussions about the alleged game-fixing in MDL Philippines Season 3. The league is already investigating this matter,” said the league in a statement.

“MDL Philippines seeks to uphold professionalism and does not condone match-fixing and any activities that will compromise the integrity of our tournament,” it added.

UST Teletigers, in a separate post, confirmed that Jigen Paul was the team’s former coach but stressed that he was already inactive since November of last year.

The campus esports organization said it was completely unaware of the external actions of Jigen Paul. It is also terminating his contract, permanently banning him "from any organizational activities and future events."

"Teletigers Esports Club is a collegiate organization that has a zero-tolerance policy for any type of fraud, gambling, and any other unsportsmanlike behavior," the Teletigers said in a statement.

MDL Philippine teams Onic Arsenals, TNC Z4 and RSG El Ganador also already took actions regarding the incident that allegedly involved some of its players. The teams said they will be cooperating with the league investigation.

“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 said in a statement.

“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,” it added. 

TNC Z4, on the other hand, suspended player Jhonjie Paul "Jiee" Dela Rosa for his alleged involvement in the controversy. Z4 Esports owner then called for ‘league-wide’ investigation.

“We believe that a comprehensive examination across all MDL teams is necessary to address any systemic issues and uphold the fairness and integrity of the league as a whole," he said.

RSG, meanwhile, already terminated the contracts of Raven "Aeris" Arellano and Christian John "Nyija" Calantoc after being found guilty of match-fixing following the team’s internal investigation.