Police arrested a 29-year-old motorist early Sunday morning after finding a loaded handgun tucked into his waistband during a routine checkpoint operation along Diego Cera Avenue, authorities said.

The suspect, identified as alias Mark, a resident of Parañaque City, was flagged down by officers conducting an “Oplan Sita” checkpoint in Barangay Pulang Lupa Uno while riding a gray Honda PCX motorcycle.

During the inspection, officers noticed a suspicious metallic bulge on the suspect’s waistband, according to a police report.

A subsequent search led to the recovery of a Walther .22-caliber pistol loaded with 10 rounds of live ammunition.

The suspect failed to present a valid firearm license, registration, or permit to carry a firearm outside of a residence, prompting his immediate arrest.