Filipino expected to be named world’s shortest man

Junrey Balawing holds a Philippine flag as he is helped by his father Reynaldo after being measured by Guinness World Records representative at Sindangan Health Center, Sindangan township, Zamboanga Del Norte province on Saturday, the eve of his 18th birthday. AP

SINDANGAN, Philippines—A Filipino about two feet tall is expected to be named the world’s shortest man when he turns 18 on Sunday, officials say.

Lolit Homay, municipal health officer in Zamboanga del Norte province’s Sindangan municipality, says Junrey Balawing was measured at about 24 inches (61 centimeters) from head to foot lying down and slightly above 23 inches (58 centimeters) standing up Saturday.

A representative of Guinness World Records is to announce the official measurements on Sunday.

Junrey Balawing poses for a Guinness World Records-hired photographer after a series of measurement conducted by its representative at Sindangan Health Center. AP

Current record holder Khagendra Thapa Magar of Nepal is 26.4 inches tall.

Municipal administrator Allan Selda says the local government is preparing to celebrate the expected Guinness announcement with balloons and a cake for Balawing.