MANILA, Philippines - The chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) said he intends to retire 3 months earlier than his mandatory retirement in December.

PNP Director-General Jesus Verzosa made the announcement during the government's inter-agency investigating panel on the bloody hostage-taking incident in Rizal Park last August 23.

Verzosa, however, clarified that the unfortunate incident, which brought the country international shame, is not the reason for his decision to leave the police service early.

"I am looking at leaving the service a little earlier to give the younger officers also sufficient time to continue our programs in the Philippine National Police, and also to have them also implement their own programs," Verzosa said. "I desire to give the junior officers more time to implement the reforms that they plan to do."

Verzosa's mandatory retirement date is December 25 this year. ABS-CBN News sources said Verzosa may retire on September 14 or September 15 or in less than 2 weeks.

President Benigno Aquino III has yet to announce the replacement for Verzosa.

Among the rumored contenders for the post are Deputy Director General Perfecto Palad, Deputy Chief for Administration; Deputy Director General Raul Bacalzo, Deputy Chief for Operations; and, Director Benjamin Belarmino, chief directorial staff.

Palad holds the 2nd highest position in the police organization while Bacalzo and Belarmino hold the 3rd and 4th highest, respectively.

Verzosa told the investigating panel the next chief of the PNP should be reform-minded and capable of leading the whole police organization through the challenges it is facing, especially with the bloody hostage drama.

He said the next chief of the police organization should also address the "culture of corruption" within the organization. – Report from Jay Ruiz, ABS-CBN News