Leviste arrested for homicide

Former Batangas governor J. Antonio Leviste shot dead his aide in his office in Makati City yesterday and claimed it was in self-defense.

Leviste later surrendered to Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay at the Makati Medical Center, where Leviste proceeded after the shooting and where he remains confined for hypertension.

Police said the victim, Rafael de las Alas, died of gunshots to the head and body. He was found dead by investigators in Leviste’s office on the ninth floor of the LPL Tower building on Legaspi Street in Legaspi Village, Makati City. The shooting occurred at around 12:20 p.m.

Police said Leviste would be charged with homicide.

De las Alas, 68, of 31 Natino St., Alley 11, Project 3, Quezon City, was reportedly a trusted aide of Leviste.

Investigators said Leviste immediately went to the Makati Medical Center after the shooting incident, claiming that he needed a medical checkup for hypertension.

Binay and several police officials visited Leviste’s office after the incident. Later, Binay and Makati police chief Superintendent Gilbert Cruz proceeded to the Makati Medical Center where Leviste surrendered to them. He told Binay and Cruz that he shot the victim in self-defense because De las Alas was going to shoot him.

Cruz said Leviste surrendered to Binay and was placed under arrest, but the former governor will remain in the hospital where he will be confined until his doctors discharge him. Several police officers are assigned to Leviste’s hospital room, Cruz said.

Police recovered four spent bullet shells from Leviste’s office, which show that several shots were fired.

Agents of the police Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) team also found a cal. 380 Alexandra Virginia pistol, allegedly owned by Leviste, and a 9 mm pistol in the crime scene.

Police said the 9 mm pistol was recovered from the right hand of the dead victim.

Probers also found a bottle of Smirnoff vodka and a bottle of red wine on a table inside Leviste’s office.

Investigators said Leviste and the victim could have been drinking before the shooting incident occurred.

Cruz said a full-blown investigation will be conducted by his men who are now looking for witnesses. 

"Let’s not make conclusions yet," he said.