The early inhabitants consisted of small groups of nomads which subsisted by hunting. They lived a life with few needs which they provided through contacts with other groups changed and improved their way of life. They learned better system of doing things. When Mohammedanism was introduced in Mindanao by the Sharif Kabungsuwan in about 14^th century, the influence of religion reached the place through the people who settled and called themselves Maguindanao Muslims. However, there were minority groups such as Bagobos and B’laans who occupied the eastern highland portion.

The most known Muslim leader was Sultan Solaiman. When he died, Datu Mangko Ambag, the nephew continued to reign the jurisdiction with some advisors such as Dappil Tuden, Kasan Kandugon and Datu Parangan. They occupied the lowlands along the banks of the rivers. They made kaingins and fished in the rivers.

The famous leader of B’laans was Datu Dempon. Clashes occurred between the Muslims and B’laans which greatly affected the peace and order condition. The marriage of Datu mangko to one of the beautiful young lass of the B’laans ended the trouble of the two groups. The B’laans were subjugated and placed under the umbrella of Datu Mangko. The addition of the B’laans to the Muslim group gave more strength and bigger income to Datu Mangko.

In early part of 1956, a group of leaders made a representation to the defunct Provincial Board of Cotabato headed Datu udtog Matalam, requested for the separation of tulunan from mother municipality, M’lang but failed due to the oppositions. The strong determination of the people to be independent was again represented by the group known as the “BIG FIVE” composed by Datu Dabpil Tuden, Arsenio Villamor Sr., Juan Jinen, Mauro Quibrantar and Jose Ordenia succeeded in their mission with flying colors.

On August 6, 1961 the late President Carlos P. Garcia signed Executive Order No. 441 separating Tulunan from mother municipality, M’lang. The first appointed officials were Datu Ibrahim Paglas Jr. as the municipal mayor; Arsenio Villamor Sr. as the Vice mayor; Datu Mangko Ambag, Roberto Jover Sr. , Benito Cabello and Datu Diadel Kamag as Councilors and the first Municipal Secretary was Antonio Caballero.

Six month prior to the election 1963, Datu Ibrahim Paglas Jr. resigned as Municipal mayor of Tulunan in favor of his candidacy as Municipal mayor of Tulunan in favor of his candidacy as Municipal mayor of Buluan. And by virtue of succession Vice Mayor Arsenio Villamor Sr. Took his reins and he is new considered the first Christian Mayor of Tulunan.

The result of the 1963 election placed Godofredo Laluyan on the pedestal as the first elected Mayor of Tulunan. However, the 1967 election turned the political wheel in favor of then Mayor Conrado Lemana who overseered the municipality until 1980 when he met his Waterloo. The vote of confidence of the people in the 1980 election was vested to the incumbent Municipal Mayor Jesus Faustino. Mayor Faustino is implementing the various programs of the government with diligence and wisdom.