Manila, Jan. 22 -- Malacanang on Thursday clarified the retirement status of former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Nicolas Torre III, following months of confusion.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the matter has been addressed and that Torre's optional retirement, which entitles him to full benefits as a four-star general, is in order.

The National Police Commission (Napolcom) earlier announced that Torre has formally retired from police service, months after he was removed as chief of the PNP.

Torre, however, denied retiring, saying he had not submitted any application.

The former PNP chief now serves as general manager of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) while retaining eligibility for full four-s...