Photo not authentic

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu Governor Pam Baricuatro stated yesterday that the photo—depicting her in a SWAT uniform—is not an authentic photograph but rather an AI-generated image. This image was cited in a complaint filed by Byron Garcia with the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor against her for allegedly wearing the uniform without proper authorization, in violation of the law.

Byron, brother of former governor Gwendolyn Garcia, accused Baricuatro of violating Article 179 of the Revised Penal Code, which penalizes the unauthorized use of uniforms and insignia reserved for public authorities.

Byron, who was also the warden of the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC), in his complaint asked the provincial prosecutor to initiate appropriate charges against the governor for unauthorized wearing of a police-issued uniform, as shown in a photograph that was posted online.

According to Byron, the alleged violation stemmed from a photo uploaded on 10 November 2025 on Baricuatro’s verified Facebook account, showing her in what he described as a uniform “similar to that used by the PNP SWAT team.”

Byron noted that the picture contained identifiable PNP SWAT markings, including shoulder patches, a bold “SWAT” label on the chest, and a Cebu Police Provincial Office (CPPO) emblem.

He emphasized that these insignia are regulated by the Philippine National Police and are issued only to active PNP personnel, particularly those assigned to SWAT units.

In his affidavit, Garcia stressed that Baricuatro is “not a member, officer, or personnel of the Philippine National Police” and therefore has no legal authority to wear or display any police uniform or insignia.

He added that the act shows “disregard for the proper and regulated use of police uniforms,” emphasizing that these symbols represent lawful authority and must not be used casually by civilians.

"Demolition tactics"

Baricuatro retorted: "This case appears to be part of a demolition tactic by my political opponents, whom I have warned you about, ongoing attempts to undermine my leadership."

In her statement, the governor said the image was AI-generated and does not depict her wearing an authentic SWAT or police uniform.

She added that the uniform shown in the image was “not even an authentic PH SWAT uniform,” countering Byron’s claim that the attire carried regulated police patches.

According to Baricuatro, the picture was a birthday gift from the Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO), which had sent it to her as part of their birthday greetings.

Baricuatro said she simply acknowledged CPPO’s message and did not intend to represent herself as a police officer or imply any official act through the shared image.

Despite this, Baricuatro assured the public that she respects laws governing police uniforms and insignia and is ready to fully cooperate with authorities as the complaint proceeds.'

"I respect the law and proper insignia use. I will fully cooperate with due process," the governor noted. — (FREEMAN)