Pam photo in SWAT uniform sparks row with Byron

Local

A BIRTHDAY greeting showing Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro in a law enforcement uniform turned into a legal dispute that now sits before the Provincial Prosecutors' Office.

Baricuatro defended herself on Saturday, Nov. 22, after former city jail warden Byron Garcia, the brother of former governor Gwendolyn Garcia, filed an administrative complaint accusing her of illegally wearing a Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) uniform.

Baricuatro said the image posted on her verified Facebook account was generated by artificial intelligence (AI) and not an actual photograph of her in any police uniform.

She described it as a birthday greeting created by the Cebu Provincial Police Office and said the uniform in the image was “not even an authentic PH SWAT uniform.”

“No endorsement or official act was intended; it was a public acknowledgment of CPPO’s birthday greetings,” she said.

Baricuatro called the filing a demolition tactic by political opponents and said these attempts are meant to undermine her leadership.

She said that she respects the law on proper use of uniforms and insignia and said she will fully cooperate with due process.

She added that she remains committed to serving Cebu and supporting law enforcement partners.

Garcia filed the administrative complaint on November 21 before the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor in Cebu City.

Records show the document was received at 3:45 p.m.

In his affidavit, Garcia cited Article 179 of the Revised Penal Code, which penalizes the illegal use of uniforms and insignia of government authorities.

He pointed to the November 10 post on Baricuatro’s Facebook page that showed her wearing SWAT patches, badges and the Cebu Police Provincial emblem.

According to Garcia, these markings are regulated and issued only to active personnel of the Philippine National Police, especially those in SWAT units.

He said the image displayed left and right arm patches, a bold “SWAT” marking on the chest and the Cebu Police Provincial emblem.

Garcia said that Baricuatro is not a member, officer or personnel of the PNP and therefore has no authority to wear, use or display any PNP or SWAT uniform, badge or insignia.

“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,” Garcia wrote.

He added that the act could mislead the public, cause confusion and show disregard for regulated police symbols that represent lawful authority.

Garcia requested that the Provincial Prosecutor investigate and file the appropriate charges. His affidavit was subscribed before Prosecutor Ivy Gonzales.

Baricuatro maintained that the image was AI-generated and said she will continue performing her duties as the case proceeds.

The complaint is now under review at the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office.(MyTVCebu)