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(Reuters) – The number ​of confirmed Ebola ‌cases in Democratic Republic ​of Congo ​has increased to ⁠710, including ​149 deaths, ​government data showed on Saturday. The number ​represented ​the total number of ‌confirmed ⁠cases as of Friday, according to ​a ​situation ⁠report that documented ​21 new ​cases ⁠in the previous 24 ⁠hours. Reporting ​by ​Congo newsroom; Writing ​by Robbie Corey-Boulet

(Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump and mediator Pakistan said on Saturday an initial deal to end the war in the Middle East would be signed on Sunday, although Iran denied ​the signing would take place so soon. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the two sides had agreed on a framework for a peace deal and that Islamabad was preparing for an electronic signing on Sunday, ‌to be followed by technical-level talks next week. Trump said in a social media post that the deal with Iran was scheduled to be signed on Sunday and that the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global oil supplies which Iran has blocked, would be immediately “open to all” after it was signed. Earlier on Saturday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei cautioned against commenting on the timing of the signing. “We will have to wait and see about the exact date of the signing of the…

Metro Manila, Philippines – Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Saturday, June 13, said he was undeterred by sanctions of the Communist Party of China against merely speaking the truth about issues involving the West Philippine Sea and alleged illegal activities linked to Chinese nationals in the country. In a statement, Teodoro confirmed that both he and his family were subjected to sanctions by Chinese authorities over what Beijing described as “erroneous statements.” “Ako ay naglahad lamang ng katotohanan tungkol sa West Philippine Sea at tungkol sa mga illegal na gawain nila dito sa Pilipinas,” said Teodoro. [Translation: I only spoke the truth regarding the West Philippine Sea and about their illegal activities here in the Philippines.] The defense chief said he will continue carrying out his duties and support government efforts against unlawful operations allegedly involving Chinese interests in the Philippines. Teodoro specifically cited the shutdown of alleged scam…

(Reuters) –  The United States and Iran signaled on Friday that an agreement to end their war was close, with a senior U.S. administration official saying both sides had agreed on a text and that Washington expects to sign an initial deal in the coming days. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said that while changes in the deal were still possible, the tentative agreement showed his country had emerged stronger from the conflict. “Iran is the winner of the war with the U.S.,” he said on state television. Hours after those remarks, U.S. forces shot down multiple Iranian one-way attack drones heading toward the Strait of Hormuz, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters. The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the drones had posed a threat to commercial traffic. U.S. Central Command later confirmed the action and said the waterway was open for transit. Iranian news agencies had reported that explosions were heard…

Metro Manila, Philippines – Ateneo de Manila men’s basketball team head coach Tab Baldwin voiced remorse over the death of his two players.  “I feel I’ve failed” he said in his first public statement on the deaths of Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili during a team training boot camp in Dipaculao, Aurora.  In a video posted on social media, Baldwin acknowledged the immense grief.  “As a coach, we are entrusted with the growth of our basketball players, the development of these young men into future professionals. But mostly, as a coach, I’m entrusted by you, the parents, and the families, with first and foremost, their well-being. And in this, I feel I’ve failed,” said Baldwin “And I’m sorry. To the depth of my being, I’m sorry,” he added. Baldwin said that while the Ateneo community mourns the athletes, he said he recognized that the pain of the families was far…