Claims by a supposedly leftist group called Partisano of its daring ambush-killing of Malabon City (Metro Manila) Councilor Merlin “Tiger” Mañalac on Saturday afternoon may have credence as police probers have included the group as a possible principal suspect.

Mañalac, 45, died from gunshot wounds past 4 p.m at the Manila Central University Hospital along EDSA in Caloocan City (Metro Manila) where he was brought after the shooting.