MANILA, Philippines?Despite the ongoing probe of the botched police rescue in the Rizal Park hostage-taking incident, Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Director General Jesus Verzosa said he would still push on with his retirement.

Sr. Supt. Agrimero Cruz, PNP spokesperson, confirmed Verzosa would hang up his uniform on Sept. 14, or a little more than three months before he is supposed to retire on Dec. 25.

Cruz said the early retirement of Verzosa has been approved by President Benigno Aquino.

?I don?t think he will be leaving with a cloud of doubt or uncertainty in relation to the incident. He said he would still help with the probe and with the ongoing programs of the PNP. Anytime he is called, he is willing to answer that call,? Cruz said.

He added: ?The initial findings of the probe will take a few weeks. But even if it takes years, he is willing to help in the probe and carrying out the development of the procedures and systems in the PNP.?

He also said that despite the circumstances surrounding the early retirement of Verzosa, ?we are confident the PNP will stay solid. Any adjustments that need to be done in terms of the programs of the PNP will be carried out.?

The early retirement of Verzosa, Cruz explained, was part of the plan by his classmates at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1976 to retire early. ?They (Class of 1976) want to give way to younger officers to take over and implement our integrated transformation program.? Verzosa is the last of the PMA Class of 1976 in the PNP.