Police are trying to rescue more than ten hostages as 24 people -- mostly women -- were feared killed in an assassination flared by the clan war between two powerful families in southern Philippines, officials said Tuesday.

Philippine National Police Spokesman Leonardo Espina told Xinhua over the phone that field police officers reported to him that 24 people were killed but the latest death toll, up from 21 on Monday when an ambush and execution occurred, is not yet confirmed.

Around 100 militiamen believed to have close ties with Maguindanao Governor Andal Ampatuan Monday ambushed a convoy of at least 40 supporters of Buluan town vice mayor Ismael Mangudadatu on their way to register him as the candidate for the governor's post against Ampatuan's son.

Commander Felicisimo Khu, who heads the task force to deal with the case, said most of the victims were shot in the front. Bodies with multiple bullet holes were found around the abandoned convoy vehicles shortly after the abduction.

Interior Secretary Rolando Puno said "more bodies are expected to be dug up in every couple of hours."

Presidential Adviser for Mindanao Jesus Dureza described the assassination as a "gruesome massacre unequalled in recent history " in a statement obtained by Xinhua. "Even women and working journalists were not spared."

Dureza said he recommended "a state of emergency being imposed in the area and everyone be disarmed to put a total stop to this senseless violence and carnage in the highest form."

National police chief Jesus Verzosa has flew to the south to oversee the rescue and recovery operations.

"We are conducting a 'hot pursuit' of the suspects, trying our best to recover hostages and prevent an escalation of the event," Espina said, adding that the police are also verifying the involvement of people from Ampatuan's camp.

"One thing for sure is that all those responsible will be punished,"he said.

Speaking on local television network ANC, Ismael Mangudadatu said his wife, who headed Monday's convoy, called him via the mobile phone the moment they were stopped by militiamen. His wife said Andal Ampatuan Jr., son of Gov. Ampatuan, slapped her before the phone line was cut off.

Maguindanao Police Chief Inspector Zukarno Adil Dicay was relieved from his post as he was also seen at the ambush scene.

Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said there is no political solution to the case and everyone who is found responsible should be dealt with law accordingly.