BY ASHZEL HACHERO

FORMER Batangas Gov. Antonio Leviste yesterday afternoon shot dead a man inside his office in Makati city.

Supt. Gilbert Cruz, Makati police chief, said Leviste claimed self-defense in killing Rafael de las Alas, around 12:30 p.m. on the 9th floor of the LPL bldg. on Legaspi street, Legazpi village.

De las Alas was described as a member of the staff of a prominent. businessman.

Three hours after the incident, Leviste surrendered to Cruz and Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay at the Makati Medical Center where he was confined due to high blood pressure.

Leviste is under 24-hour guard by four Makati policemen.

Cruz said the victim had wounds in the head. He said investigators found shells from a 38 cal. revolver and a 9 mm pistol. Also recovered were broken bottles of wine.

The victim was found slumped on a chair holding a gun.

Investigators said Leviste asked that he be brought to Makati Medical after the shooting.

"The case is closed, it is already solved. He is under arrest but we will have to get his statement and the statement of the other witnesses," said Cruz.

"We’ll be waiting for advice from his attending physician if we can get his statement," Cruz said.

He said Leviste had a stroke five years ago and that probably explained his condition.

Cruz said they were still determining the motive.

Former Sen. Loren Legarda, Leviste’s wife said in a statement she was shocked by the incident.

"It’s tragic. I am in the dark as to what really happened. As you know we have been estranged for several years now, as I have publicly announced," she said.