MANILA, Philippines ? (UPDATE) Philippine National Police Director General Jesus Verzosa has sought the permission of President Benigno Aquino III for an early retirement on September 15, a police spokesman said on Friday.

But Senior Superintendent Agrimero Cruz Jr. said that the decision of Verzosa for early retirement had nothing to do with the bungled rescue of Hong Kong tourists who were held hostage by disgruntled former Senior Inspector Rolando Mendoza.

Eight tourists were killed in the bloodbath last August 23.

Verzosa has been thinking of filing his retirement papers even before the Quirino Grandstand hostage-taking happened, Cruz said.

"He and his classmates have reached a consensus that they will all retire early to give way to younger officers," Cruz told reporters.

Verzosa is a member of Philippine Military Academy Class 1976. He has expressed his desire for early retirement since July.

Among those being touted as next PNP chief are Deputy Director Generals Perfecto Palad and Raul Bacalzo and Director Benjamin Belarmino.

Asked about the ongoing investigation on the hostage incident, Cruz said Verzosa has expressed that he will continue to attend the hearings and investigation and will continue to cooperate in the investigation.

"Even if he has retired, he has expressed his intent to appear during hearings as well as other gatherings regarding the incident," Cruz said. With a report from Karen Boncocan, INQUIRER.NET