Today is the first Sunday of Advent. It’s the season in the Roman Church when we prepare ourselves for the coming of Jesus Christ. There is the coming of Christ in history in Bethlehem, the coming of Christ today as he approaches our hearts, and the coming of Christ someday in the future. All three of these dimensions belong in our Advent preparation.

The beginning of the Season of Advent is the time to prepare for the coming joyful and glorious Christmas Season. This day, the First Sunday of Advent, marks the very first day of the new liturgical year in our liturgical calendar.

Hence, as we all gather this Sunday in the Lord’s Presence, we ought to commit ourselves anew to Him as we enter into this time of spiritual preparation and renewal, so that we may truly be ready to celebrate Christmas in a few weeks. And this Sunday, we focus on the first aspect of Advent that we commemorate, which is Hope.

This is why as we enter into this Advent season, this time of reflection and renewal of our faith and life, we are all called to refocus our attention and efforts to the Lord, turning away from all the hustle and bustle of the world. And we are all reminded to prepare ourselves well and properly so that we may truly be able to celebrate Christmas with true understanding, appreciation and knowledge.

***

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) achieved a significant milestone in its ongoing campaign against wanted persons. In focused round-the-clock daily operations, the NCRPO arrested 51 wanted individuals. This accomplishment highlights the NCRPO’s relentless effort to ensure the public safety and to bring offenders to justice.

Among those recently apprehended, 21 were classified as Most Wanted Persons (MWP), while 30 were Other Wanted Persons (OWP). The operations were carried out across the five police districts within Metro Manila, showcasing the cohesive and strategic approach of the NCRPO.

The Northern Police District reported one and eight OWP arrests, while the Eastern Police District accounted for two MWPs and five OWPs. The Manila Police District led with nine MWPs and four OWPs apprehended. Meanwhile, the Southern Police District recorded four MWPs and four OWPs, and the Quezon City Police District completed the tally with five MWPs and nine OWPs.

PBGen. Anthony A. Aberin, NCRPO acting regional director, lauded the exemplary performance of the five police districts, attributing their success to their commitment, operational precision, and adherence to proper procedures.

“I commend the operatives on the ground for their tireless efforts in arresting these wanted persons who have been evading the law. With the arrest of these individuals, the wheels of justice will start to turn for the victims and their families,” he said.

The accomplishment indicates the NCRPO’s adherence to its “AAA” policing framework: Able, focusing on skills and preparedness; Active, through proactive and intelligence-driven operations; and Allied, promoting collaboration with stakeholders to achieve shared security goals.

The NCRPO remains steadfast in its mission to rid Metro Manila of criminals and ensure the safety of its residents. Citizens are encouraged to support these efforts by providing information on criminal activities and reporting wanted individuals through the NCRPO’s official hotline. This achievement reflects not only the capability of the NCRPO but also its enduring commitment to a safer and more secure metropolis.

With the new NCRPO leadership, which includes PBGen. Rogelio Piñones Jr., the people of Metro Manila — its residents, workers, students and transients — are assured of surroundings that are safe and secure because the policemen who have vowed to serve and protect the people are serious about performing their job.