Paolo Tantoco’s death tied to illegal substance use, says LA medical examiner

• Paolo “Paowee” Tantoco died from cocaine effects, with heart disease as a contributing factor, according to the LA County Medical Examiner
• His death was ruled accidental, and the case remains open under file number 2025-04377
• Tantoco passed away on March 8 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, a day after attending the Manila International Film Festival
• He is survived by his wife Dina Arroyo, niece of former First Gentleman Mike Arroyo, and their three children

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has determined that Paolo “Paowee” Tantoco died due to the effects of cocaine, with an existing heart condition also playing a role.

Tantoco’s death was ruled accidental. The official cause was listed as “cocaine effects,” with “probable atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease” cited as a contributing factor. His case is still classified as open under reference number 2025-04377.

The 44-year-old businessman was found unresponsive at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on March 8 and was later declared dead. Tantoco had traveled to Los Angeles as part of the Philippine delegation led by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos for the Manila International Film Festival, which concluded the previous day.

The event’s tribute gala was held at the same hotel on March 7.

Tantoco leaves behind his wife, Dina Arroyo, a niece of former First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo, and their three children. Dina currently serves as deputy social secretary to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Professionally, Tantoco held several high-ranking positions. He was the Chief Operating Officer of Pacific Links Golf Development Inc., the chief of security and procurement for Sta. Elena Golf and Country Estate, and an assistant vice president at Rustan Commercial Corporation.

News, photos, or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, this could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable.

In other news, UP has issued a condemnation on the "senseless" killing of student Sophia Coquilla in Tagum City, calling it a loss of a promising young leader. The university urged authorities to swiftly investigate the case and hold those responsible accountable. “We demand justice for Sophia,” UP declared, emphasizing the need to protect lives and ensure community safety. Coquilla, 19, was found with 38 stab wounds; three minors have been arrested, while one suspect remains at large.

Still in other news, a man has been apprehended in Rodriguez, Rizal, for allegedly breaking into a local convenience store and stealing over P5,000 worth of cigarettes and chocolates. The alleged thief gained entry by breaching the store's ceiling, and CCTV footage played a vital role in identifying and tracking the suspect, leading to his arrest. Despite the suspect's denial, police confirmed he has previous complaints for theft lodged at the barangay level, indicating a history of similar alleged offenses. The apprehended individual is now formally facing charges of robbery, with authorities having recovered some of the stolen merchandise.

Source: KAMI.com.gh