The Philippine steward who allegedly steals money from Chinese passengers. (Photo/People.com.cn)

 Philippine carrier Cebu Pacific announced on Wednesday through its official Sina Weibo account that it has asked an independent third-party security panel to investigate a theft case, in which a Philippine steward allegedly stole money from Chinese passengers, People.com.cn reported.

The airline company says it will act accordingly once a verdict is reached on the allegations.

In a Weibo post on Wednesday, Ma Xiaodong, a teacher at Hunan Agricultural University, accused a Philippine steward of stealing 7,700 yuan ($1,196.85) from three Chinese passengers onboard flight 5J52.

When the loss was noticed by the passengers, the steward fled into a toilet and attempted to destroy the evidence while being covered by other crew members, Ma said.

Passengers suspected a conspiracy, as the cabin was dark, with window shades closed and lights off during the whole process, it was added.

The crew, including the Philippine police onboard, tried to stop the Chinese passengers and police from catching the man, and refused to get off the plane, People.com.cn reported.

Chinese police found wet cash in the plane's toilet, while another few thousand yuan had already been destroyed by the suspect, according to a report posted on huanqiu.com.