Newly-appointed Europe Regional Commander in hot water over book and 'Huling Paalam'

Davide takes charge, gives Paras 24 HOURS ON 'NON-INVITATION' OF NON-FILIPINO ISSUE, ten DAYS to reply ON 'PLAGIARISM'

Former Regional Commander Sir Klaus Hartung also asked to submit "formal the complaint, under oath" and with supporting documents

Manila, September 19,2006 - In an unprecedented memorandum sent today to newly-appointed Europe Regional Commander Sir Lino Paras, KGOR, Supreme Commander Sir Hilario G. Davide Jr., KGCR, told the former he has 24 hours to explain why non-Filipinos were not invited to the Regional Council meeting in Paris, France scheduled Saturday, September 23, 2006.

On another explosive issue Sir Davide also told Sir Paras in the same memorandum that he has ten (10) days to explain his side on what Sir Davide describes as a "serious allegation" of plagiarism. Sir Paras is alleged to have authored a book - Born To Be A Hero - that was copied from Jose Rizal, Filipino Doctor and Patriot written by Jose Baron-Fernandez, edited by Teodoro M. Locsin, translated by Dr. Lilia Hidalgo Laurel and published by Manuel L. Morato in 1980. 

A second case of alleged plagiarism is Paras' "Huling Paalam" the original of which is Andres Bonifacio's translation of the famous poem written by Jose Rizal. Both were first brought into public knowledge by a certain "White Knight" who also calls himself "Sir Ivanhoe" through an email circulated August 30, 2006. The email referred to the source as a blog belonging to a certain Bayani Katigbak.

According to a simultaneous memo sent to who Sir Davide called complainant, former Regional Commander Sir Klaus Hartung, KGCR, Davide said the charges he levied against Paras appear to be serious and that "the Supreme Commander must look into them". Nonetheless, it continued, due process demands that the charges be put in writing, under oath and supported by specific evidence. 

Sir Hartung is given until October 10,2006 to put in a formal document the charges including testimonies of persons whether they are members of the Order or not, and that these must be done by way of affidavits.

On another front involving Sir Paras, a number of Knights in Europe have indicated their disapproval of the appointment of Paras as Regional Commander by citing his appointment as a violation of the By-laws of the Order. Sources say a formal complaint is also being sent to Manila in this regard (see Paras Appointment Non-Valid, this issue). 

PARAS APPOINTMENT AS REGIONAL COMMANDER FOR EUROPE NON- VALID, SOURCES SAY

Various email reports coming from Europe since the expose by the "White Knight" of Sir Paras' predicament confirm the development of a concerted move to protest the appointment of the beleaguered brother as Regional  Commander for Europe. 

Cologne Chapter's Sir Peter Eisele, KCR, writes that the list of three (3) nominees for the position  that was officially sent to the Supreme Council did not include Sir Paras' name. Sir Eisele claims this is in violation of Article VII, Section 10 which describes the procedure for the process.

Another source confirmed that a meeting of concerned Knights was held at a hotel in Germany last September 16, 2006 and those in attendance decided to lodge a formal protest against the appointment on the same grounds. It added that a number of those appointed as Area Commanders are declining their own appointment for the same reason.

The meeting included both Filipino and non-Filipino member Knights, unlike a "secret meeting" reportedly called by Sir Paras earlier that excluded non-Filipinos.

Canada next to explode?

Silverio denies knowledge of damning 'memorandum' that ousted Scarborough Chapter and 'de-Knighted' KRRM adherents

Toronto, September 20, 2006 - Sir Alexcs Trinidad, KCR, Commander of Scarborough Chapter, vowed today his chapter's intent to pursue an investigation of the controversial memorandum issued August 16, 2006 by newly appointed Regional Commander Sir Emilliano Silverio, KGCR.

The memorandum, attested by Sir Chito Collantes,KGOR and Sir Mogi Mogado, KCR announced that the Scarborough Chapter along with those associated with the Knights of the Rizal Reform Movement have been "dropped" from the official roster of the Order in Canada. Sir Trinidad claims the mysterious document that was "discovered" by chance is not only farcical  but the issue against his chapter was without due process. When asked for clarification, Sir Silverio vehemently denied ever seeing much less signing such memorandum.