Junrey Balawing, from a remote town in the southern Philippines, stands just under two feet tall and has been officially declared the world's shortest man by Guinness World Records. Photo: Facebook.
Balawing, who just turned 18, is 23.5 inches tall. Photo: Facebook.
A team from Guinness World Records made the announcement in the remote town of Sindangan, where Balawing lives, on his 18th birthday on Sunday. Photo: Facebook.
The Guinness team, led by Guinness World Records editor-in-chief Craig Glenday, measured Balawing both vertically and horizontally before declaring him the world's shortest man and handing him a certificate. Photo: Facebook.
Significantly, Balawing’s three siblings are all of normal stature. Photo: Facebook.
Balawing's father said his son, the oldest of four children, stopped growing in his first year. His speech is also stunted and his conversations are limited to short phrases. Photo: Facebook.
Balawing mostly stays at home, needing assistance to move around. His condition has prevented him from attending school. Photo: Facebook.
Local medical practitioners have not been able to explain his growth disorder. Photo: Facebook.
A smiling Balawing celebrated his 18th birthday with balloons and a cake. Photo: Facebook.
Previous title holder was Khagendra Thapa Magar from Nepal, who is 26 inches tall. Photo: Facebook.
