MANILA - (UPDATED) The Philippine National Police (PNP) has recalled the use of its new rank classification pending the release of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 11200.

The memorandum was signed on Wednesday by Police Deputy Director General Camilo Pancratius Cascolan.

According to Cascolan, this was done to create uniformity on how the new rank classification will be used. The PNP Directorate for Plans (DPL) has yet to create implementing rules and regulation or IRR.

"Advise ng DPL, official publication for 15 days, February 23 ang una, it will end March 10, yung 15 days," Cascolan said.

"But at the same time, we need to have our IRR. Iyon ang advise ng DPL kasi sila ang gumagawa ng IRR. At any rate within the month magamit na," he added.

The IRR has yet to release the standard abbreviation of the ranks. Cascolan said no slash will be used in the abbreviation.

"Wala nang slash, for example 2-star, Police Major General, magiging PMGen," Cascolan said.

PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde is expected to make the formal announcement regarding the new rank classification by end of March.

Meanwhile, PNP spokesperson Senior Superintendent Bernard Banac said media and the public may use the new PNP rank classification.

"Hold in abeyance lang muna yung paggamit namin internally, pending approval and release of IRR within 30 days. That will specify the policies, proper abbreviations and their usage in written communications," Banac said.

"But for the public and media, wala namang pagbabawal na gamitin ang new ranks as enumerated in the newly approved law, para sa pagtawag sa ating mga kapulisan," he added.

President Rodrigo Duterte in February signed a law that modifies the rank classification in the PNP and standardizes how police officers are to be called.

• New law modifies PNP rank classification

The law amended Section 28 of the Department of the Interior and Local Government Act of 1990, giving the police similar rank titles to the military.