World’s shortest man in 2012, Zambo Norte resident, dies

ZAMBOANGA CITY—The world’s shortest man has died.

Junrey Inding Balawing stood at 59.9 centimeters, or 23.6 inches which is barely 2 feet. It earned him the Guinness World Record title of world’s shortest man in 2012.

His popularity earned him and his family employment at the Dapitan City government. He died last month in his hometown in Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte.

He was 27.

“We are not sure about the cause of his death but we were informed he had pneumonia,” said Apple Angolong, city tourism officer of Dapitan, in a phone interview.

Balawing had worked in the Dapitan City government until the COVID-19 pandemic displaced casual employees, prompting him and his family to return to Sindangan in the village of Imelda.

Angolong said the Balawing family decided to return to Sindangan for fear that Balawing would be infected with coronavirus.

Balawing died last July 28.

Angolong said the Dapitan City government had already expressed condolence to the Balawing family.

“Due to the pandemic, it was quite so hard to be there to be with his family at the last moment,” Angolong added.

TSB