国内英语新闻:Hong Kong brings home bodies of hostage victims, official demands thorough probe by Philippin

In a brief speech, Henry Tang expressed his sorrow and concern for the affected families and promised the city's government will provide whatever assistance they require.

"We have been overwhelmed by grief in the past three days. Tonight we receive with heavy hearts the victims of this tragedy and their families back from the Philippines," Tang said.

The official said he hoped Jason Leung, who was still under observation in hospital in Manila after an operation on a gunshot wound to the head, and his mother would return to Hong Kong as soon as possible.

Tang said Hong Kong would continue to urge the Philippine authorities to conduct a comprehensive, thorough and impartial investigation into the incident.

"The truth is the best consolation to the victims and their families. The Hong Kong government stands ready to offer our full assistance and support to the Philippine authorities during the course of investigation," he said.

Tang said it was imperative the investigation report should at least give a detailed account of the whole incident, including the negotiation process, the police actions, and a detailed account of the causes of death and injury, whether they were all caused by shots fired by the gunman or otherwise.

Hong Kong's government would convey to the Philippine authorities issues that it believed should be addressed in the investigation, he said.

"The President of the Philippines (Benigno Aquino III) has promised the Chief Executive (of Hong Kong) and Chinese Ambassador Liu Jianchao to conduct a fair and full investigation of the incident and provide the report to Hong Kong as soon as possible," Tang added.

On Wednesday, Hong Kong continued to be locked in deep sorrow and anger over Monday's abduction tragedy, as the city's media unveiled more details of the incident and continued to question the Philippine police on the handling of the incident.