Tragic aftermath: Chief Executive Donald Tsang says he has demanded a full account of the Manila hostage-taking incident in which eight Hong Kong tour-group members died.

Chief Executive Donald Tsang has spoken with the Philippines' foreign minister and demanded a full account of the Manila hostage tragedy in which eight Hong Kong tour-group members were killed.

A charter flight, which had been arranged for this evening, has been delayed to return the bodies of the deceased and those survivors who can leave hospital to Hong Kong tomorrow evening.

Two survivors will fly back to Hong Kong tonight on a normal flight.

The SAR flags at all Government offices will continue to be flown at half-mast tomorrow and Thursday as a token of mourning for victims.

Speaking to reporters this morning, Mr Tsang stressed the Government's first priority is to look after the injured and the families of the dead, in Manila and in Hong Kong.

Victims identified

Four women and four men died in the shootout. The women have been identified as Doris Leung, Jessie Leung, Yeung Yee-wa and Yeung Yee-kam. The men are Ken Leung, Fu Cheuk-yan, Wong Tze-lam and Masa Tse.

Jason Leung is under observation in hospital after an operation on a gunshot to the head. Joe Chan was undergoing an operation on a gunshot injury to his waist. Yik Siu-ling is under observation after an operation for a gunshot to her chin.

Four other women were under observation in hospital with slight injuries. They are Amy Ng, Lee Ying-chuen, Lo Kam-fun and Tracey Wong.

Public urged to stay calm

A team has been assigned to each of the seven affected families, to ensure they can visit injured family members in hospital, and to help those who are injured return to Hong Kong as soon as possible.

Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee said the Government is mobilising resources with the Social Welfare Department, the Hospital Authority, the Home Affairs Department and the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department to assist the victims and their families in Manila and when they return to Hong Kong.

Speaking to the media this afternoon, he said he understands the Hong Kong community is saddened by the tragedy and urges people to stay calm.

Foreign Affairs to follow up

Through the Consul General of the Philippines in Hong Kong, Chief Secretary Henry Tang has demanded the Philippine authorities allow the bodies to be returned to Hong Kong as soon as possible, to provide the best possible medical treatment to the injured victims, and to conduct a thorough and in-depth investigation of the incident.

Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Liu Jianchao and other representatives of the Central Government's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as Under Secretary for Security Lai Tung-kwok, have met with Philippine President  Benigno Aquino III, to follow up on the tragedy.

Expressing condolences

A Facebook page has been set up to provide information on the Government's actions to help the bereaved families and a platform for people to post messages of condolence.

The Home Affairs Department has made available condolence books in each of the 18 districts. They are open from 6pm to 9pm today, and from 9am to 9pm tomorrow and Thursday for people to send condolences and regards to the victims and their families. Click here for details.

For enquiries about the places for condolences, call the hotline 2835 1473 from 9am to 9pm during the period.