Closely monitored: Chief Executive Donald Tsang is briefed by Dr Dawson Fong on Jason Leung's condition.

Chief Executive Donald Tsang has proposed burying the eight Hong Kong tourists slain in the Manila hijack tragedy in Tribute Garden.

He announced the plan to the press after visiting survivor Jason Leung in Tuen Mun Hospital today. Mr Leung is recovering from an operation last night to remove part of his skull to relieve intracranial pressure.

Mr Tsang promised Mr Leung's mother the Government will help in her son's medical treatment and provide counselling and other assistance to the family.

He said if the families agree, the Government will arrange to have the deceased, including Mr Leung's father and two sisters, buried in Tribute Garden, an area in Wo Hop Shek Public Cemetery for people killed performing exceptional acts of bravery.

Mr Tsang said Hong Kong Police officers have been sent to Manila to investigate the incident and assist in the Philippine investigation. He said autopsies are being done on the eight bodies, as ordered by the Coroner, who will then decide whether or not an inquest is required.

"We are co-operating with Manila police. We already have police officers there. We hope through this channel we are able to [get] a comprehensive, thorough and accurate report of what happened there."

Tuen Mun Hospital's Chief of Service (Neurosurgery) Dr Dawson Fong, who is leading a medical team in treating Mr Leung, described him as being in a "resting state". He said it is too soon to predict when they can tail down his sedation, adding he will closely monitor his condition.