As sultan, he was known for his political administration making the Royal House of Kiram extend its influence and fame among Sulus.

[4] In 1844, the French concluded a treaty with the Sultan of Sulu to acquire Basilan Island in exchange for a significant amount of money.

[4] Sir James Brooke's treaty with Sultan Pulalun in 1849 was met with hostility from the Spanish colonial government.

[4] The presence of vessels from other European colonial powers beside Spain caused worry among Spanish officials along with the threats of piracy.

[5][4] The Spanish colonial government's lack of diplomacy with Great Britain and the Dutch hindered naval cooperation combatting Moro pirates.

[4] In December 1850, Juan Antonio de Urbiztondo, Marquis of La Solana led a force of 600 troops, artillery, and other personnel to Zamboanga.

The chief of Bukutwan surrendered, and the expedition encountered bad weather at Tonkil, forcing them to turn towards Jolo.

[4] According to Najeeb Mitry Saleeby, the decline of Sulu was not because of "national retrogression or political dissension, but by the hostility and aggression of its adversary.