Governor Pamela Baricuatro Denies Illegal Use of Swat Uniform, Cites AI-Generated Photo

Governor Pamela Baricuatro has firmly denied accusations that she unlawfully wore a Philippine National Police (PNP) Swat uniform in a photo that has become the centerpiece of a criminal complaint. She asserted that the controversial image was created using artificial intelligence and does not depict a genuine police uniform.

The complaint was lodged by Byron Garcia, brother of former governor Gwendolyn Garcia, whom Baricuatro defeated in the May 2025 elections. Garcia submitted the affidavit to the Cebu Provincial Prosecutor’s Office, accusing Baricuatro of violating Article 179, which prohibits the illegal use of uniforms or insignia.

In the complaint, Garcia alleged that Baricuatro shared a photo on Facebook showing her wearing clothes emblazoned with official PNP Swat symbols, insignia, and patches. He emphasized that such attire is strictly reserved for active police personnel in Swat units and claimed Baricuatro had no authority to wear the uniform. Garcia warned the photo could mislead the public into believing the governor holds police affiliation or authority, and requested a formal investigation.

The image in question was posted by Baricuatro on her personal Facebook account on November 10, one day after her birthday. It portrays the governor dressed in a Swat uniform, holding a rifle, standing alongside five Swat officers in front of the Cebu Capitol. The photo also displays the official seals of Cebu Province and the Cebu Police Provincial Office, accompanied by the text: "The People’s Governor, Province of Cebu, Hon. Pamela Baricuatro. The true leaders are those who step up when it counts."

In response, Baricuatro issued a statement on November 22 categorically rejecting the charges, clarifying that the image was an AI-generated birthday gift from the Cebu Police Provincial Office (CPPO). She stressed, "The image is AI-generated and not a real photograph of me in any police uniform. The uniform shown is not even an authentic PH Swat uniform."

The governor further explained that reposting the image was intended as a gesture of appreciation rather than an official endorsement. "No endorsement or official act was intended; it was a public acknowledgment of CPPO’s birthday greetings," she said.

Baricuatro characterized the complaint as a political ploy aimed at damaging her reputation, affirming her respect for laws regulating uniform use. She pledged full cooperation with any ongoing investigations, stating, "I respect the law and proper insignia use. I will fully cooperate with due process. I remain devoted to serving Cebu and supporting our law enforcement partners."