63-year-old man looks nearly unrecognizable with possible skin cancer on his face

A 63-year-old man from Zamboanga del Sur has been almost unrecognizable for many years after developing a skin condition which severely damaged his face.

According to Emil Sumangil's report on "24 Oras," Tuesday, Guillermo, who hails from the municipality of Tukuran, has a face which looks like it is decaying to the bone.

His partner, Edna, said it started from a pimple which grew near a mole on his face.

"May nunal siya ta's nakamot niya 'to dahil may tigyawat. Kahit anong kainin niya, nangangati siya," she said.

["He has a mole then he scratched it because of the pimple. He felt itchy no matter what he ate."]

Edna said they were able to seek professional help after selling one cow, but couldn't get further medical treatment due to the lack of money.

Guillermo's condition was shown to infectious disease expert Dr. Rontgene Solante, who said it looks like a cancer which can put his life in danger.

"Bakit ko nasabi? Parang kinain na rin ang balat at buto," he said. "Puwedeng ikamatay. Ang location niya kasi, nando'n sa pinakamaselang parte ng katawan which is the head."

["How could I tell? The skin and bone are damaged. He can die from this. It's because the location is on the most sensitive part of the body, which is the head."]

"Kapag hindi naagapan, puwedeng maging comatose siya dahil apektado ang brain," he added.

["If this doesn't get treated, he can fall into a comatose state because the brain may get affected."]

According to dermatologist Dr. Winlove Mojica, Guillermo might need chemotherapy in addition to surgery.

Guillermo's case was referred to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), which vowed to help him through their provincial office. He just needs to submit the necessary documents.

Meanwhile, Mojica reminded everyone to avoid direct exposure to sunlight from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in order to protect their skin.

"Ito po 'yung oras na pinakamataas ang energy ng araw. ‘Yan po yung pinaka damaging sa balat," he said.

["This is the time when the sun's energy is at its highest. This is the most damaging to the skin."]

—Franchesca Viernes/MGP, GMA News