EXPLAINER: What is a person of interest?

In criminal investigations, authorities often use terms such as “person of interest,” “suspect,” and “accused.” While these are commonly heard in news reports and police briefings, they do not mean the same thing.

According to lawyer Atty. Gaby Concepcion, a “person of interest," refers to someone who may have a connection to a crime or may possess information that could help investigators.

“A person of interest is literally what it is. Interesado ang pulis at ang mga imbestigador sa kaniya kasi meron siyang koneksyon doon sa krimen,” Concepcion said.

(A person of interest is literally what it is. The police and the investigators are interested in him because he has a connection to the crime.)

She said a person of interest could be a source of information or a possible suspect, but being labeled as such does not automatically mean the person committed the crime.

Concepcion pointed out that a person invited for police questioning should not immediately be considered guilty.

“The person of interest can be anybody na puwedeng tanungin ng pulis for information,” she said.

(The person of interest can be anyone that the police can question for information.)

Concepcion said a person of interest still has rights under the law, including the right to decline a police invitation for questioning.

However, she noted that individuals who want to help solve a crime may voluntarily cooperate with investigators. She also advised people who feel uneasy about going to a police station to avoid going alone.

Suspect

Authorities gather information and evidence during investigations to determine possible involvement in a crime.

According to Concepcion, a person of interest becomes a suspect once investigators establish “reasonable belief” or “probable cause” that the person committed the offense.

“Kapag may ebidensya laban sa kaniya, reasonable belief or probable cause na siya ang gumawa ng krimen, nagiging suspect,” she said.

(When there is evidence against him, reasonable belief or probable cause that he committed the crime, he becomes a suspect.)

A suspect is someone who may have committed a crime based on evidence gathered during the investigation.

Concepcion said warrantless arrests may be allowed in certain situations, such as when a person is caught in the act of committing a crime.

“Kapag suspect kayo, meron nang reasonable belief or probable cause to think na you committed the crime,” Concepcion said.

(When there is evidence against him, reasonable belief, or probable cause that he committed the crime, he becomes a suspect.)

Still, suspects also have rights.

In cases of warrantless arrests, authorities are required to file charges within periods prescribed by law. For serious offenses such as murder, Concepcion said the complaint should generally be filed within 36 hours.

Concepcion pointed out the importance of Miranda rights once a person is already considered a suspect and taken into police custody.

Under these rights, police officers must inform the arrested person of the reason for the arrest, the right to remain silent, and the right to legal counsel.

“You are entitled to have a lawyer of your choice and if you cannot afford a lawyer, one will be given to you,” she said.

Suspects cannot waive these rights without the presence of a lawyer.

Accused

Meanwhile, a suspect becomes an accused once criminal charges are formally filed in court.

During trial, the court determines whether the accused is guilty or not guilty based on evidence presented by both sides.

Under Philippine law, an accused person is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.

Concepcion said understanding the differences among “person of interest,” “suspect,” and “accused” can help prevent misinformation and unfair public judgment.

“It’s always good to know what all these terms are,” she said, noting that people should also be aware of their legal rights during police investigations.

“It is important to know these things para alam niyo na kailangan ko ng abogado,” she added.

(It is important to know these things so you know that you need a lawyer.) —VAL, GMA News