Over AI-generated Police Photo: Byron's Case vs Pam Dismissed

Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro won a legal victory after the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor dismissed a complaint filed against her by Byron Garcia.

The case involved allegations that Baricuatro wore a police Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) uniform without authorization.

In a resolution dated December 19, 2025, the provincial prosecutor concluded that the complaint lacked sufficient evidence to proceed in court.

The office emphasized that the elements required to establish illegal use of a uniform were not firmly present.

“WHEREFORE, premises considered, the Undersigned Investigating Prosecutor recommends that the above-entitled complaint against Respondent PAMELA BARICUATRO be DISMISSED,” the resolution stated.

Garcia, brother of former Cebu governor Gwendolyn Garcia, filed the complaint, which the prosecutor’s office received on November 21, 2025.

He alleged that Baricuatro violated Article 179 of the Revised Penal Code, which penalizes unauthorized use of uniforms or insignia reserved for public authorities.

The law prescribes arresto mayor as a penalty for violations.

Prosecutors must determine whether prima facie evidence exists that could lead to a reasonable certainty of conviction before filing charges.

In evaluating the case, the prosecutor examined whether Baricuatro publicly and improperly used a uniform or insignia associated with a government unit she did not belong to.

After reviewing the evidence, the office found the criteria were not sufficiently met.

Central to Garcia’s complaint was a photograph posted on social media that appeared to show Baricuatro wearing a PNP SWAT uniform.

The resolution, however, raised doubts about the image’s authenticity, describing it as “most likely a computer-generated image.”

The prosecutor further noted that the uniform in the picture did not clearly belong to any specialized police unit, undermining claims that Baricuatro intended to impersonate law enforcement.

Garcia responded by saying he believes the fiscal’s office may not fully understand the implications of AI-generated content in legal proceedings.

He stressed that his concern was not only about the image being artificial but also about the potential misuse of symbols associated with public authority.

“I am still observing and I’ll be watching her. Anything nga sayop, ako siya file’an og kaso,” Garcia said.

The SWAT uniform complaint is one of four filed by Garcia against the governor.

Other allegations include claims that Baricuatro misrepresented the status of sea ambulances, oversaw a P2.6 million renovation of the Cebu Capitol without proper clearance, and submitted the 2026 provincial budget late. (SBA)