OSCI is a domestic manning agency engaged in the recruitment and placement of Filipino seafarers abroad. Paterco Shipping Ltd. (PSL) is a foreign shipping company which owned and operated the vessel MV Felicita and a client of OSCI. Protection & Indemnity Club (PIC) was the insurer of PSL covering contingencies like illness claims and benefits of seamen. Pandiman Philippines, Inc. (PPI) is the local representative of PIC.   As agent of PSL, OSCI hired Romy B. Bastol (Bastol) as bosun on November 29, 1995 evidenced by a Contract of Employment.7[7] On December 5, 1995, Bastol was deployed on board the vessel MV Felicita.   The genesis of the instant case emerged when, on February 17, 1997, while on board the vessel, Bastol suffered chest pains and cold clammy perspiration. He was hospitalized in Algiers and found to be suffering from anterior myocardial infarction.8[8] In short, he had a heart attack. He was subsequently repatriated due to his illness on March 7, 1997.   Upon arrival here in the Philippines, on March 8, 1997, he was referred to the Jose L. Gutierrez Clinic in Malate, Manila for a follow-up examination where 7[7] Id. at 44. 8[8] Id. at 45-46, Rapport Medical dated February 26, 1997.