Super Cup imposes no-phone policy in games

CEBU, Philippines —  The Pilipinas Vismin Super Cup has enforced to all players and coaches a no-cellphone rule when entering the Alcantara Civic Center where the league’s Visayas bubble play is being staged.

This is part of the league’s measures in an effort to help police their ranks in the wake of the farcical match between the Siquijor Mystics and the ARQ Lapu-Lapu City Heroes last April 14 that sparked game-fixing allegations.

  “Enforcing this rule will avoid any game personnel from contacting “outside forces” involved in illegal activities,” said the league in a statement.

In a memorandum dated April 20, 2021 sent to all teams by Vismin Super Cup Chief Operating Officer Rocky Chan and newly-promoted Head of Basketball Operations Chelito Caro, all players, coaches, and team staff are required to surrender their phones to the league’s technical group in coordination with Philippine National Police officials when they enter the venue.

The phones will be returned after each contest.

In another memo, the league admitted to punishing the wrong player from ARQ Builders-Lapu Lapu when it suspended Monbert Arong instead of Franz Arong.

“After a thorough review of the game tape by our league and technical officials, between ARQ Lapu-Lapu Builders and Siquijor Mystics, it has come to our attention that Mr. Monbert Arong is not part of the issue and it was Mr. Franz Arong that was involved,” read the league’s statement. “Hence, Mr. Monbert Arong is cleared to play effective immediately.” — EBV