MANILA, April 17 -- Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez underestimated the professionalism and integrity of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) when he urged them to withdraw their support from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., National Security Adviser (NSA) Eduardo Ano said Wednesday.

"Both institutions are loyal to the Constitution, the rule of law, the chain of command, and the President as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. Insinuations to the contrary are baseless and unfounded," Ano said in a statement.

Ano, a retired military chief, said such a move when done by a public official, more so a high-ranking military reservist, is not only irresponsible but also illegal and unco...