DAVAO CITY, Philippines -- (UPDATE 2) Six vehicles in the convoy of Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno figured in a smash-up early Tuesday evening, causing minor injuries among journalists, including this writer, security escorts and DILG staff.

The 25-vehicle convoy was heading for Barangay (village) Dumoy in this city at around 6 p.m. when a car in the middle of the convoy suddenly braked, causing a chain reaction.

The rented vans and the Corolla Altis of Chief Superintendent Felizardo Serapio were wrecked.

Puno is in Mindanao to check the situation in areas affected by the fighting between government forces and Moro Islamic Liberation Front fighters.

The journalists had to be transported to Davao City on a police patrol car after the incident.

Among the reporters who covered Puno's visit are Alcuin Papa of the Philippine Daily Inquirer (parent company of INQUIRER.net); Noel Alamar, radio dzMM; Benjie Liwanag, dzBB; Joy Cantos, Pilipino Star; Christine Roque, NBN 4; Cecil Suerte Felipe, Philippine Star; and Jamie Quinto, RMN Manila.