Cebu governor says photo of her in SWAT uniform is AI generated after case is filed against her
Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro clarified that a photo she posted allegedly showing her in a SWAT uniform is AI-generated and a gift from the Cebu Police Provincial Office.
Baricuatro first shared the image on Nov. 10. It depicted her in tactical gear labeled SWAT and carrying a gun. She's also flanked by several armed soldiers in front of the Cebu Provincial Capitol.
"True leaders are those who step up when it counts," text on the image read under Baricuatro's name. The photo also bore the seals of the Province of Cebu and the Cebu Police Provincial Office.
On Nov. 21, Byron Garcia, brother of former Cebu governor Gwendolyn Garcia, filed a complaint against Baricuatro before the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor for allegedly violating Article 179 of the Revised Penal Code. The said article penalizes the improper use of insignia or uniforms of an office a person does not hold or is not a member of.
Garcia, in his affidavit, emphasized that Baricuatro is "not a member, officer, or personnel of the Philippine National Police," thus has no legal authority to wear the uniform.
Baricuatro responds
On Nov. 22, Baricuatro addressed the issue, stating that the image is AI-generated and that the outfit shown was not the authentic Philippine SWAT uniform.
"The photo was a birthday gift from the Cebu Provincial Police Office," she wrote in a post.
"This case appears to be part of a demolition tactic by my political opponents, whom I have warned you about, an ongoing [attempt] to undermine my leadership. No endorsement or official act was intended; it was a public acknowledgment of CPPO's birthday greetings."
She ended by saying she respects the law and proper insignia use. "I will fully cooperate with due process," Baricuatro added.
Earlier in November, a man wearing a PNP uniform with cut-off sleeves while attending a Halloween costume made the rounds online. The individual apologized after National Police Commission vice chairperson and executive officer Rafael Calinisan and the PNP slammed his actions.
