The petitioners demanded the payment of death benefits from the respondents which refused to grant the demand. The petitioners then sought the assistance of the Associated Marine Officers’ and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines, Eduardo’s labor union, in pursuing their claim. A series of grievance meetings was held which proved unfruitful. With the failure of conciliation, the petitioners proceeded to file their complaint for death compensation benefits against the respondents with the NLRC.   THE LABOR ARBITRATION RULINGS   Labor Arbiter Jose G. de Vera (LA de Vera) dismissed the petitioners’ complaint.12[12] He held that Eduardo’s illness was pre-existing; Eduardo was already afflicted with HIV when he boarded the respondents’ vessel. LA de Vera noted that Eduardo admitted to Nigel Griffiths (Griffiths), a foreign nurse, that he had concealed his condition from the respondents.   The NLRC, in its resolution of December 29, 2006,13[13] set aside LA de Vera’s decision and ordered the respondents to pay US$60,000.00 death benefits to 12[12] Supra note 6. 13[13] Supra note 4.