MPL Philippines conducted an investigation into allegations against ONIC Philippines and found "no evidence" that they were involved in gambling.
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League Philippines (MPL) denounced gambling accusations hurled against ONIC Philippines, claiming that the screenshots which circulated last April 26 purportedly pointing to the squad's members were manipulated.
MPL's statement is the latest development regarding game-fixing allegations in the MLBB esports scene, which quickly spread on social media on April 26.
[ALSO READ: MDL Philippines investigates game-fixing allegations, Mobile Legends esports community speaks out]
"MPL Philippines conducted a series of investigations regarding the gambling allegations involving ONIC Philippines and its players. The league found no evidence to prove that the team, the management, and its players are involved in any illegal activities, as opposed to the screenshots that circulated last 26 April 2024," the league said in a statement.
"The screenshots were manipulated and there was no such message trail that shows an attempt to do gambling," MPL Philippines added upon reaching out to the members of ONIC.
The league said they also found no financial records "to prove that the alleged gambling activity pushed through."
"The league vehemently denounces these baseless accusations targeting the team and its players, and we appeal to our community to avoid these false allegations towards any MPL Philippines teams," MPL Philippines added.
Last week, a screenshot made the rounds on social media supposedly showing Duane “Kelra” Pillas engaging in match fixing. This prompted ONIC Philippines to denounce the image as fake.
“We have received reports involving our player in a maliciously EDITED screenshot. What has been currently spreading is absolutely FAKE,” the team claimed.
The team further warned that spreading fake news and accusations are punishable under the law. They would also be seeking legal assistance.
The gold laner shared MPL Philippines' statement.
"Stop with the false accusations! Know your sources if 'legitimate and reliable' siya!" he posted.
The game-fixing issues already resulted in the ban of one collegiate coach, the termination of two MDL Philippines players, and the suspension of another while the investigation in the developmental league is ongoing.