Troops in search of gangsters' bodies

Security forces combed yesterday a huge area in the southern Philippine province of Maguindanao in search of the 17 bodies of suspected kidnappers and terrorists after a military strike on Friday.

Four helicopters and a pair of bombers pounded the hideout of the Pentagon kidnap gang in a bid to kill Tahir Alonto, the gang's leader.

Alonto's house was destroyed after a direct hit from MG-520 helicopters.