(UPDATE) 7 BIFF members killed, 13 others injured in Maguindanao skirmishes

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - At least seven members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) were killed and 13 others injured during skirmishes with government troops that broke out yesterday afternoon in Maguindanao, local authorities said today.

On the government side, 13 soldiers were injured in the fighting, according to Harold Cabunoc, public affairs office chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

The fighting broke out at the quad-bundaries of Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Talayan, Datu Salibo and Datu Piang towns, all in Maguindanao around  2:50 p.m. local time Friday, said AFP spokesman Joselito Kakilala.

"(The) firefight ended until early dawn today," said Kakilala today.

AFP chief Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang ordered an all-out offensive against the BIFF on Feb. 25 in response to the group's atrocities in Maguindanao and North Cotabato.

The BIFF is composed of about 300 to 500 former leaders and members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front that signed a peace accord with the government in March last year.