Armscor CEO Martin O. Tuason Passes Away at 51
ILLUSTRATION: Igi Talao
Armscor Global Defense President and Chief Operating Officer, Martin O. Tuason, passed away on November 19, 2025. His company confirmed this with a press release sent out on November 21. He was 51 years old.
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Who was Armscor's Martin O. Tuason?
Martin O. Tuason, a third-generation leader born on May 23, 1974, was the son of Demetrio “Bolo” Tuason, the former Chairman and President, and the grandson of Don Celso Tuason, who purchased the company in 1941.
Martin officially became President and CEO of Armscor Global Defense, Inc. in 2012, having started his journey with the company in his teenage years.
"His vision, exemplary leadership, unwavering integrity, and steadfast commitment to excellence elevated the company into a world-class institution. Under his guidance, Armscor reached significant milestones and strengthened its standing in both the commercial and defense industries," the company said in a statement.
Armscor, which was the only Philippine company at the world's biggest firearms expo at Las Vegas, Nevada, in 2023, happens to be the oldest and biggest arms and ammunition manufacturer in the country. In 2017, it reportedly produced about 200,000 firearms and some 420 million rounds of ammunition a year, with about 80 percent exported and sold to over 60 countries worldwide.
The company, through Martin, also has the Bigay Awa at Tanglaw sa mga Anghel (BATA) Foundation, which provides shelter, education, and support for underprivileged girls.
Martin was an advocate for the passage of the Self-Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP) Revitalization Act (Republic Act No. 12024), which is aimed at strengthening the country's defense industry, lessening our dependence on foreign suppliers, and empowering local companies.
Gina Marie Angangco will assume leadership of Armscor Global Defense, Inc., following the established succession plan of the company.
