MANILA -- The Mobile Legends Professional League will start on May 1, organizers announced, as it looked to boost the esports industry amid a coronavirus scare in the Philippines.

Organizers said it will resume the current season in May 1, with the grand finals scheduled for May 29-31.

"[This is] recognition of how Mobile Legends and other games keep Filipinos connected during this pandemic, by allowing them to socialize and bond over their favorite games," Smart Communications, one of the tournament partners, said in a statement.

"[We are doing this] as part of its commitment to the growth of eSports in the Philippines. Smart has previously partnered with Moonton to power past Mobile Legends events," the telco added.

The season was put to a halt on its fourth week, as the whole country bore the brunt of a coronavirus pandemic, keeping most people confined in their homes as much as possible in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Among the participating teams are: Sunsparks, Onic PH, SGD Omega, Execration, Bren Sports, Geek Fam, Blacklist International, and STI.

As the tournament resumes, teams will be playing from home and organizers assured they are following quarantine protocols, organizers said on the Mobile Legends esports Facebook page.

Marshalls will be monitoring players via video call, it added.

The games will start from 6-11 p.m. and can be viewed on Facebook.

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