Antonio C. Yamashita, for Registration of Lot No. 368, "Guaifan," Municipality of Inarajan, Guam v. The People of the Territory of Guam

Dr. Yamashita claims title to land in Guam against the Government of Guam. The theories are, in the alternative, good record title, adverse possession, and estoppel. The case went to trial in the Superior Court of Guam on Dr. Yamashita’s petition for registration of the land. The Government prevailed there and on petitioner’s appeal to the District Court of Guam, Appellate Division, and we affirm.

Facts

Both the Government and Dr. YamasMta had colorable claims of title. The Government’s claim begins with the Spamsh cession of Guam to the UMted States m 1898, by the Treaty of Paris, subject to certain private property rights established at that time. The UMted States conveyed to the Government of Guam in 1952 title to lands under its admimstrative supervision. The Government of Guam used part of the land for a Umversity of Guam experimental farm. A 1986 map showed that the Public Utility Agency of Guam had a chain link fence on the land, and was building sediment tanks there.

Dr. Yamashita’s chain of title starts with a conveyance in 1916. Vicente Meno Crisostomo conveyed Ms interest to Dr. YamasMta’s grandfather, LMs Carbullido. Here is the description of the parcel conveyed,…