By ARIEL AVENDANO
BALER, Aurora – A medical supply company executive, who earlier rescued his 24-year-old son from drowning, died after he was swept away by strong water current while surfing in a beach in Barangay Sabang here at around 11:35 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 5.

Major Eduardo Mendoza Jr., Baler police chief, identified the victim as Reygie Lantabo, 38, district manager of Patient Care Corp. and a resident of Barangay Tabon, Mabalacat City, Pampanga.
Lantabo was already dead when he was taken to the Premiere General Hospital several minutes after he was retrieved by the Aurora Tourist Police Unit (TPU), Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (MDRRMO), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and surfer volunteers.
Staff Sgt. Jemalyne Veniegas, investigator-on-case, said that prior to the incident, the victim had saved his 24-year-old son from drowning.
After being reminded by rescue volunteers to stay away from the area, Lantabo's family went to an adjacent swimming area. The victim reportedly took the surfboard from his son and went on surfing but he was swept away strong water current.
"Napansin daw po ng isang turistang naka-largabista na may kumakaway at sumesenyas ng saklolo kaya tinawag ang pansin ng mga rescuers (A tourist noticed that he was waving for help and called for help from rescuers)," Veniegas said.
"Akala nga raw po ng ibang turista totoong surfer kasi meron silang dalang sariling surf board saka ang attire po nila talagang mukha silang surfer (Tourists thought they were surfers because they had a surfboard and wearing surfer’s clothes)," Veniegas added.
MDRRMO chief Hector dela Torre said an investigation will be conducted to determine the possible liability of the hotel which accommodated the Lantabos family for failure to register the names of their guests as mandated by the town's local laws and ordinances.