According to local history, the original settlers of Initao were the Bukidnons. They were described as warlike and aggressive and ready to sacrifice their lives in defending their territory. It is said that the early community in Initao was ruled by three (3) brothers named Datu Hukom, Datu Tamparong, and Datu Pulagoyan. They were responsible for ensuring the liberty and freedom of the early settlers of Initao against the Moros in the sixteenth (16th) century.
Because of the frequent threat of invasion by the Moro pirates, the people of Initao led by these brothers, became war like. They were considered to be hot-blooded and hot-tempered fearless fighters. Hence, the word Initao comes from the word “init” meaning “hot” and “tao” meaning “people”. They were people perpetually prepared to fight their enemy to defend their territory and community. Legend also has it that when the Moro raiders were defeated, the people planted bamboo along the Initao River as a symbol of peace and truce among them.
The word Initao, originally spelled by the Spaniards as Ynitao, was mentioned in August 6, 1838 in the inventory of livestock, fruits, exotic and cereal plants in the Provincia de Misamis (Ereccion de Pueblos, Misamis 1808-1839). In May 1858, Ynitao was headed by Gobernadorcillo Francisco Antonio and succeeded by Gobernadorcillo Abariano Caburratan in 1894.
In 1838, Ynitao was a Spanish pueblo composed of three (3) cabeceria (Ereccion de Pueblos, Misamis 1808-1839). In October 27, 1877, Ynitao had seven (7) cabeccerias which became eight (8) in June 30, 1882. It was decreased to one (1) cabecceria, known as barangay Apas in June 30, 1883 until 1884 with a total population of 1,514. In June 30, 1887, Ynitao again increased its number of cabecceria to nineteen (19) and decreased to twelve (12) in October 3, 1892.
In 1896 to 1902, Ynitao was in the province of Lanao. In 1903, Initao once again became a pueblo and the current municipalities of Manticao, Naauan, Lugait, and later Libertad were part of its jurisdiction until 1939. In March 10, 1917, Initao became a municipality by virtue of republic Act No. 2711. The municipality is one of the oldest municipalities in the western part of Misamis Oriental.
