The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology assured the public Tuesday that jail facilities under its jurisdiction, especially in Luzon where super typhoon "Karding" hit hardest, have reverted back to "normal" status.

BJMP chief Jail Director Allan Iral revealed that some detention facilities incurred minimal damage from the typhoon which were immediately fixed by BJMP personnel to ensure the security of the facilities.

Iral said that as "Karding" barrelled through Luzon, the BJMP help a security vigil and with earlier preparations achieved zero incidents.

Persons deprived of liberty, in the Philippines and in other countries, are known to take advantage of natural calamities to time their escape from prison facilities.

"It can be said that the BJMP's preparations in relation to typhoon 'Karding' had been effective," Iral said in Filipino.

A total of 729 inmates — 632 males and 97 females from the San Mateo Municipal Jail — had to be evacuated to Guitnang Bayan I Elementary School in Rizal at the height of the typhoon.

"All 729 PDL were safely returned to the jail facilities through the assistance of the BJMP Special Tactics and Response Team of BJMP Regional Office-CALABARZON," Iral said

He commended wardens and jail personnel for ensuring the safety and security of the PDL during the onslaught of typhoon "Karding" over the weekend.

Wardens of the affected jail facilities have been directed to conduct a post-typhoon assessment, clearing operations and debriefing of personnel.

Iral assured the families of PDL that all under the BJMP'S jurisdiction are safe and well-secured amid the recent typhoon.

"There is nothing to worry about because your loved ones who are in our care are safe and in a good condition," he said.