Bren Esports believes that “truth will prevail” amid the drug smuggling charges hurled against its chief executive officer, Bernard “Bren” Chong.
In a statement, the powerhouse Esports organization said the massive issue that rocked the local gaming community to its foundation will hardly affect its focus on winning another title in the Mobile Legends Professional League (MPL) Philippines.
It said it will continue pursuing its goals and vision of “providing the best support and structure our Esports athletes deserve.”
Bren will be parading a revamped — but very solid — roster in the upcoming MPL Season 10 that will be held offline starting 10 August.
M2 World Championship veteran Angelo Kyle “Pheww” Arcangel is still at the helm together with rising stars in Marco “SUPER MARCO” Stephen, Vincent “Pandora” Unigo and Rowgien Stimpson “Owgwen” Unigo.
Kyle “KyleTzy” Sayson and David Charles “FlapTzy” will also be around, forming a new band of “Tzy” brothers that will do damage under head coach Francis “Duckey” Glindro.
“We stay committed to our vision and goals to provide the best support and structure our Esports athletes deserve. We believe that the truth will always prevail,” the organization said in the wake of Chong’s alleged involvement in the sale of illegal drugs.
“We, along with our industry partners, have contributed in turning the Philippines into an Esports hotspot that remains to be a beacon for global brands and organizations to invest and grow with the Filipino Esports industry.”
Chong, who founded Bren Esports in 2017 and has since fielded elite teams in multiple games like Valorant, League of Legends: Wild Rift, and Counter-Strike, and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, also addressed the issue in a series of tweets shortly after the controversy cropped up.
“I’m writing this Twitter thread to categorically deny these claims that may destroy the good name I have taken care of for so many years,” Chong, who is also behind the popular social media platform Lyka, said.
“Some of you may only know me as a part of the Esports community but in reality, I’m a much broader person than just that. I’m an angel investor and entrepreneur. I invest in companies that I believe have great potential or start my own.”
He said he maintains his innocence and believes in the country’s justice system.
“I invest in people who have great ideas, and more so, to individuals whom I see goodness and great talent,” he said.
“I believe in the justice system that protects the innocent, and the truth will always prevail. I hope this clarifies any doubts you have and thank you for your support during these trying times.”
Reports have it that the Natural Bureau of Investigation had already launched a manhunt for Chong after agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Bureau of Customs, and the Philippine Coast Guard busted an attempt to smuggle 276.3 kilos of shabu amounting to P1.87 billion three years ago.
Chong was tagged for his alleged ties to Fortuneyield Cargo Services Corporation, the assigned consignee of the illegal drug shipment.
He appealed the charges but was denied last April, which paved the way for the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 13 to issue a warrant of arrest last 2 June.
