The proposed assembly and manufacturing of defense and ammunition project by Stone of Hope Defense (SOHD), in partnership with U.S.-based Battle Arms Development Inc. (BADI), may be eligible for Green Lane processing of the Board of Investments to facilitate the entry the U.S. led project.
This was highlighted by the BOI during the Inter-Agency Meeting held at the BOI Office in Makati City on May 18, 2026 to discuss support for the project.
Stone of Hope Builders & Development Corporation (SOHBDC), through its defense arm SOHD, is a Philippine-based corporation engaged in construction, energy, logistics, and defense-related industries.
Through its partnership with BADI, a U.S.-based arms engineering company with over 65 patents, the company aims to establish a defense manufacturing ecosystem in the Philippines through technology transfer, local assembly, and eventual full-scale production.
BOI-Investments Assistance Service and Manufacturing Industries Service Director Ernesto C. Delos Reyes, Jr. highlighted that the proposed project aligns with key government programs, including the Self-Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP) and the 2026 Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP), which recognize defense-related activities as priority drivers of industrial development and national security.
As such, Delos Reyes raised the potential of the project to also benefit from Executive Order No. 18, which provides Green Lane support to expedite government approvals for strategic investments.
The inter-agency discussion focused on the key permits, licenses, and procedures relevant to the project, which initially involves the importation of firearms, components, and related equipment for proof of concept, demonstration, and exhibition purposes, as part of a phased plan toward establishing a local defense manufacturing capability in the Philippines, including assembly, production, and technology transfer. Other key government agencies at the meeting include the Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of National Defense (DND), DTI Strategic Trade Management Office (DTI-STMO), DTI Bureau of Import Services (DTI-BIS), and the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), reflecting a whole-of-government and multi-stakeholder approach.
During the discussion, participating agencies outlined the regulatory requirements for the project. The PNP discussed licensing requirements for firearms importation and manufacturing; the DND emphasized the need for security clearances and accreditation; DTI offices provided guidance on importation and strategic trade regulations, while BOI and ARTA highlighted efforts to streamline processes and improve efficiency.
The SOHD presented its development plan, which begins with controlled importation of firearms for evaluation and exhibition, followed by local assembly and eventual full-scale manufacturing. The project aims to strengthen the country’s defense capabilities, generate employment, and support long-term industrial growth.
The meeting underscored the importance of close coordination among government agencies to ensure that compliance requirements are clear, processes are streamlined, and strategic investments, such as the SOHD project, are effectively supported.
The BOI reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a conducive investment environment by simplifying procedures, aligning government support, and enabling industries that contribute to national development and security.
