Davao, Philippines: Soldiers and volunteers have recovered the remains of 128 of the 131 passengers and crew killed when an Air Philippines plane crashed on Wednesday on Samal island.

Only 55 of those who died in the country's worst air disaster - near Davao, southern Philippines - have been identified.

Forensic experts yesterday began taking blood samples from relatives, who were allowed to visit the scene for the first time, for DNA tests to identify the rest. Investigators still do not know why the Boeing 737, which left Manila filled with holidaymakers, crashed.