Filipino expected to be named world's shortest man

SINDANGAN, Philippines – Officials say a Filipino about two feet tall is expected to be named the world's shortest man when he turns 18 on Sunday.

Lolit Homay, municipal health officer in Zamboanga del Norte province's Sindangan township, 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.

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.

By BULLIT MARQUEZ, Associated Press