Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro clarified that a photograph of her in SWAT uniform was a birthday gift from the Cebu Police Provincial Office, citing that the image is AI-generated or done with the help of artificial intelligence. 

“I want to address your concern regarding a case filed against me over a photo that allegedly shows me in a SWAT uniform. Here are the facts: 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," Baricuatro said in a post on her social media account, “Pam Baricuatro.”

"The photo circulating was a birthday gift from the Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO)," she added.

“This case appears to be part of a demolition tactic by my political opponents, whom I have warned you about, an ongoing attempts to undermine my leadership. No endorsement or official act was intended; it was a public acknowledgment of CPPO’s birthday greetings. I respect the law and proper insignia use. I will fully cooperate with due process," she also said. 

On November 21, 2025, Byron Garcia, former chief of the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC) and brother of Gwendolyn Garcia, former governor, filed a complaint against Baricuatro for violations as defined under Article 179 of the Revised Penal Code, or the Illegal Use of Uniforms and Insignia and the applicable regulations of the Philippine National Police. 

The complaint stemmed from a November 10, 2025 post of Baricuatro on her Facebook account using the handle “Pam Baricuatro.”

“The respondent posted a photograph of herself wearing a uniform similar to that used by the PNP Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team," Garcia's affidavit read. 

The complaint mentioned that the" post bears PNP SWAT patches, badges, and insignia - including the left and right arm patches, a bold “SWAT” marking on the chest, and a Cebu Police Provincial emblem visible on the upper left portion of the image."

“These markings are officially regulated and are issued only to active PNP personnel, specifically those assigned to SWAT units,” Garcia pointed out.

“Respondent Pamela Baricuatro is not a member, officer, or personnel of the Philippine National Police, and she has no authority to wear, use, or display any PNP or SWAT uniform, badge, or insignia,” his complaint also said. 

“Her actions constitute a violation of Article 179 of the Revised Penal Code, which penalizes the unauthorized use of uniforms or insignia belonging to a public authority. By publicly wearing and posting herself in a PNP SWAT uniform, the respondent undermines the identity and authority of actual police personnel and creates the false impression that she has police powers or affiliation," his affidavit said further.