The VisMin Super Cup will not allow players and coaches to bring mobile phones inside game venues after issues of match-fixing and point-shaving rocked the league since its opening week.

In a memo effective Tuesday, April 20, the VisMin Super Cup said players and coaches have to surrender their mobile phones to the technical group, which will work in coordination with the Philippine National Police.

The league will return the phones after every game.

According to a press release, the VisMin Super Cup enforced the move to avoid those involved in the games from contacting “outside forces” who dabble in illegal activities.

The league earlier expelled the Siquijor Mystics following their controversial game against the Lapu-Lapu City Heroes.

Both teams committed uncharacteristic errors and frequently missed free throws, prompting the Games and Amusements Board to launch an investigation on both teams.

While Lapu-Lapu City did not get the boot, several of its players got fined and suspended, namely, Monbert Arong, Reed Juntilla, Dawn Ochea, Ferdinand Lusdoc, Jojo Tangkay, and Rendell Senining.

The VisMin Super Cup, however, clarified they punished the wrong player as it should have been Franz Arong instead of Monbert Arong.

Following a thorough review of the game tape, Franz Arong will serve a round-long suspension and will be made to pay a P15,000 fine.

Monbert Arong is cleared to play immediately as he is expected to provide a major boost for Lapu-Lapu City, which suffered its second loss after a 66-77 defeat to the KCS Computer Specialist Mandaue City on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the MJAS Zenith Talisay Aquastars completed their first-round sweep of the Visayas leg with an 85-65 romp of the Tubigon Bohol Mariners.

Talisay (5-0) leads the Visayas leg standings followed by Mandaue City (3-1), Lapu-Lapu City (2-2), Tabogon Voyagers (2-3), Dumaguete Warriors (1-3), and Bohol (0-4). – Rappler.com