MANILA, Philippines -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has rejected the courtesy resignation of Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief General Rodolfo Azurin.

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos said that they have spoken with the President and that Azurin will remain as PNP chief.

Abalos also clarified that Azurin is no longer among those to be investigated for illegal drugs because his record is said to be clean.

Aside from Azurin, the 5-man panel also included former Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, former CIDG Chief and now Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, and Office of the Presidential Adviser on Military Affairs' Undersecretary Isagani Neres.

Abalos did not name the fifth member of the advisory group in accordance with an earlier request.

The 5-man panel that will review the courtesy resignations of PNP senior officers is scheduled to meet next week. (PIA-NCR)