MANILA, Philippines ? The decision of Philippine National Police Director Gen. Jesus Versoza to seek early retirement had been settled with President Aquino long before the Aug. 23 hostage crisis at the Quirino Grandstand, a Palace official said on Sunday.

Secretary Herminio Coloma of the Presidential Communications Operations Office denied that Verzosa's bid to seek retirement this month had to do with the hostage crisis that drew much flak for the police following the deaths of eight Hong Kong tourists in botched negotiations and rescue operation.

``It had nothing to do with that (hostage drama),'' Coloma told government radio dzRB, in reply to the query whether Verzosa's announcement last week of his impending retirement this month was a a result of the bungled police operation.

He said Verzosa, who was supposed to retire from the service in December, had told the President he was opting for early retirement just after the Aquino administration assumed power.

``This is to give chance to the other classes (of the Philippine Military Academy) and other police officials to serve,'' Coloma said.

Mr. Aquino had accepted Versoza's suggestion, Coloma said.

``So it's very clear that this had been long agreed upon even before the hostage crisis happened,'' Coloma said.

He said President Aquino would soon announce Verzosa?s successor.

Verzosa was appointed the chief of the Philippine National Police by previous president and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. But the general, who had a falling out with Ms Arroyo later on, was retained by President Aquino when he assumed the presidency on June 30.