MANILA - Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade has fired an aviation inspector accused of involvement in extortion activities.

The sacked Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) officer allegedly demanded money from a religious group in exchange for airworthiness certification, the transportation department said in a statement released Sunday.

The group initially complied with the demand, but reported the officer when he asked for more money, the department said.

The CAAP later found out that it was not the first time that the inspector allegedly dabbled with extortion, it added.

The inspector, who is a former Air Force colonel, will face possible criminal charges for violating the Corrupt Practices Act.

Tugade said that under a 1-strike policy, transportation employees involved with illegal activities will be immediately removed from their post.

“We want to send a strong message to everyone here in CAAP that we will not, in any way, tolerate corruption. That is unethical, and it should be stopped," added CAAP director general Jim Sydiongco.

Several airport employees have been suspended in recent months as they faced investigation for corrupt activities.

Among them were a collection officer, 2 area managers and an airport manager from Cagayan De Oro, Zamboanga and Busuanga.